Covid 19 coronavirus: Fox Glacier and Franz Josef drowned, hundreds of jobs lost

They are grim finds for our glacial region in the days of Covid-19.

A new report looks at the pandemic effects of companies in and around the towns of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef.

It found that 518 jobs have been lost, while the companies that are still standing are only operating at 20% of their normal capacity.

16 percent of the companies no longer operate and 73 percent have reduced staff.

Looking ahead, it found that 62 percent indicated that they will not survive the next six months without additional support.

The report has been published with a letter to the tourism minister, outlining the need for additional support.

West Coast Development chief Heath Milne said this is more than just a financial boost for the area.

“That specific area has probably not only suffered the greatest [from Covid-19]But it puts the entire fabric of the community at risk if something is not done, “says Milne.

He said the report is not just about supporting businesses seeking help.

“It is about the community at large. The impact of Covid on that community is more severe than possibly any other community in the country.”

Franz Josef’s operator Adam Haugh said turnover in his city, and at Fox Glacier, is not high enough to maintain fixed costs and key infrastructure.

“Where we are now is that we simply don’t have the reserves to go another winter without some association. To overcome this hurdle, we need to have access to some funds that we have invested in the country.”

Haugh said his city should receive assistance, given the impact it can have on the economy when tourists return.

“We have the setup and infrastructure here to really make a difference in supporting the New Zealand economy – generating some tax revenue, paying off some debt. To get there, we need a partnership to get us through.”