Covid-19 - Home

New Zealand is seen to have had the best response to the Covid-19 Pandemic enforcing hard rules from the start to minimise the spread as quickly as possible. For different communities and whanau this response to Covid-19 had a wide range of effects including physical and mental health, economic and financial stability and social consequences. Many experienced a decrease in physical and mental health due to being isolated from loved ones and uncertainty about the future. Others experienced stress regarding unemployment especially those working in tourism, hospitality and retail. All of these strains lead to difficulties in social life, many were even more isolated than necessary.

Despite all the negative effects Covid-19 brought, there were many unexpected positive consequences for many different whanau.

• Strengthened Bonds - Many families spent more time together because of the lockdowns. Since everyone was brought together they played games, watched movies and went out (in moderation). This formed stronger connections between family members who may not spend much time together otherwise.
• Mental Health - More people were struggling with their mental wellbeing during this time which brought more general awareness of the importance of mental health and self-care.
• Environmental - Cleaner air and less pollution were quickly observed due to the reduced travel which gave the natural environment time to get some much needed recovery.
• Innovation - People had more free time to get creative and innovative so many businesses adapted and created more innovative solutions to problems.

Lessons learned:

• Connections - stronger relationships were formed and whanau and communities faced challenges together
• Wellbeing - mental and physical health has been prioritised to create more enjoyable experiences
• Adaptability - innovative ideas and growth for many different people and communities

The positive experiences during the difficult times of covid-19 inspired people to be more compassionate and respectful towards each other as well as staying connected with people and regularly checking in on how they are doing.