Printers pull together in Christchurch crisis

Major earthquakes in Christchurch sees strong show of support from NZ print community.

Last week’s devastating earthquakes, which were among the strongest ever recorded in New Zealand, have caused damage to well-known printers, including 75-year-old Caxton Press, believed to be the print business worst affected, and the Angus Donaldson Copy Centre.

According to Ruth Cobb, (pictured), membership services manager at PrintNZ, the scale of the damage is not yet known.  “We are still waiting to ascertain the full extent,” she told Print21.

Fellow Christchurch printer, CQ, has already phoned affected printers offering to lend a hand. “We were one of the lucky ones with our house and business left with very little disruption,” said CQ’s Nicolette Parsons.

"Cantabrians always pull together and this time will show this once again."

In an email to members, Cobb offered support to those who need it. “I am sure that many of our members from outside of the region will be only too happy to provide support wherever possible and we will try and help match these offers of assistance with those that need it,” she wrote.

Cobb added that the disaster will have long-term affects on many businesses. “There will be some disruption,” she said. “The schools are closed, so some staff can’t come to work; even if the presses are going, there may not be people to run them.”

Parsons added that CQ is currently running with fewer staff and "waiting for each new aftershock."

"Not a great experience ... [but] we do pray we have seen the worst of it," she added.