It was on the front page of the North Harbour Newspaper.  In bold ‘Fight for communities‘.  And right underneath was a hashtag, in white lettering in cased in a black banner ‘#backyourbackyard’.  That was a light bulb moment for us.  Both these statements, encapsulates the very substance of what we believe is inherit within our DNA that makes us so Kiwi. 

The famous Kiwi No. 8 wire

We’ve all read at some point, individuals expelling both the pro’s and con’s of the infamous ‘No.8 wire’ Kiwi mentality.  We believe the saying talks more to the ingenuity and can-do attitude Kiwi’s have, when faced with adversity.  Change is something that has occurred throughout the history of our small nation.  In 1882 when the country was in the grip of an economic depression, that would last until the mid 1890’s.  And yet today, we can still marvel at the workshop and homestead of Ernest and Hannah Hayes (Hayes Engineering Works).  19th century pioneers whose resourcefulness, skill and determination define the spirit of ‘Kiwi ingenuity’ during that period.  

So what’s different?

Well Covid-19 isn’t disappearing anytime soon.  Kiwi’s would rather face, than recoil from an adversarial threat like Covid-19 – head on!  We instinctively know, no matter what happens right now,  when we fall off the proverbial horse.  We still have to pick ourselves up; dust ourselves off.  And away we go again. The difference is, we need to pull together; to rebuild together.  By developing a strong network of connections through different commercial communities.  

 

Back your backyard, talks to something that rural New Zealanders have been doing for years.  Supporting their neighbours.  Supporting their districts.  All-day, every-day.

   

It’s a technological change

There have been a number of pioneering kiwi businesses, who have created their own opportunities.  It has been through imagination, innovation, self-confidence and plain sheer hard work.  

Hayes Engineering Works (1884-1926) is a colourful example of industry and courage in the face of hardship and isolation. Pioneering inventions that spread around New Zealand and overseas.  Hays Engineering was perhaps most well known for its tool ‘J Reids Fencing Wire Strainer‘.  Which was perfected in 1924 and is still used around the world today.  

They took care of business, as well as their family.  That’s what we do.  That’s who we are.

We have the tools, technology and resources within our own back yard, to get through this.  Kiwi’s will find new solutions, products and customers by doing business better.

JumpSeat is ‘backing your backyard’ – so why don’t you.