NZ printers still shaken by aftershocks

Damage in Christchurch continues as Geon’s sales and digital business in the CBD is likely to be demolished following the Boxing Day aftershocks.

The building on 80 Lichfield Street was struck down by aftershocks measuring 4.8 on 26 December. According to Meagan Cross, branch manager of Geon’s Christchurch sales and digital business, advice had been given by the landlord to exit the building and her team has temporarily set up at Geon’s nearby labels division in Heathcote, Christchurch.
 
“We need to ensure that from our client’s perspective, it is business as usual,” Cross told Print21. “There is a positive attitude and we are hopeful that even with the disruption, 2011 will show continued growth for us and that all Canterbury businesses can get back on track.  We need to relocate our business and we have a great team of people to help us.  We are compassionate to all of Christchurch people as there are many stories to tell.  It’s a work in progress, but positive regardless.”

Fenced off: the Geon office in Christchurch looks set to be demolished.
 
Ironically, the sales and digital business was unaffected by the 7.1 earthquake on 4 September 2010. Cross is currently in the final stages of negotiating a new site for the sales office, which is expected to be confirmed early next week.

Fortunately there were no casualties as a result of the tragedy. “Luckily, the quake happened on Boxing Day so our team was all with family, not at work,” Cross said. “Although the city is rattled and many businesses have been affected, everyone is safe, healthy and committed to 2011.”

It is also believed that Caxton Press was affected by the Boxing Day aftershocks. The company was hit hard by last year’s earthquakes, with the front building due to be demolished. The company were not available for comment at the time of going to press.

PrintNZ president, John Boyle, whose company, Rainbow Print Group, is also based in Christchurch and has remained largely unscathed save for some “minor damage”, said that the city was pushed to the limit on Boxing Day.

“The biggest issue for the industry is the retail trade,” he said. “Many of the companies in town they print for will be pulled down. It’s a matter of whether these businesses will still be operating. The printers are there, but are the clients?”