The Covid-19 pandemic has inspired Kiwis to shop locally, according to research from Mastercard, which found takeaway shops, cafes, restaurants, DIY hardware stores and bakeries the retailers drawing the keenest support.

And as New Zealanders adjust to a new way of life in a post-lockdown world with closed borders, two in three say they will continue to show support for local businesses, particularly when dining out, where 58 per cent committed to eating and drinking on their high street in future. 

“Recent times have changed the way people spend, with Kiwis rallying together to support their local high street and community,” said Ruth Riviere, country manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at Mastercard.

She says 43 per cent of respondents are so committed to the cause they have spent more money on a product or service in the local community despite knowing they could have found it cheaper elsewhere. 

Mastercard found that takeaway shops were nominated by 46 per cent of respondents as the type of local business they were most keen to support following the end of lockdowns. 

Cafes drew 38 per cent, restaurants 35 per cent, DIY/Hardware stores 28 per cent and bakeries 26 per cent. 

While four in five New Zealanders were mindful of their spending during the initial Covid-19 lockdown. Almost one in three admitted they did not really know much about their local high street, and 77 per cent want to actively spend money in their local community to help businesses bounce back and recover. 

The research also said that lockdowns had changed attitudes in terms of how people relate to their local community. 

Thirty-six per cent said they feel a greater sense of community spirit now than before the lockdowns, with 44 per cent saying they have made an effort to spend time with and support their local community as they feel they make a positive difference, through doing things such as learning the name of a local retailer.