Review: Silver Linings - Kiwi Success Stories in the Time of Covid

Great name for this book, which is a collection of stories about Kiwi businesses and groups suddenly upended by the impact of Covid-19. Yet through innovation, inspiration and sheer hard work they turned it into a chance for positive change. They found new ways to do business, new ways to serve customers, new ways to survive and even thrive.

The book, an initiative from Michelle Dickinson’s Nanogirl Labs and written by David Downs and Joe Davis, has been released to mark the anniversary of the 2020 Level 4 lockdown which, one year today, threw us all into turmoil.

Davis is the co-founder of Nanogirl Labs. Downs is a curious mixture of writer, comedian, actor and IT guy. You might also know him for his columns sharing his battle with cancer which ran on Stuff.

The pair have combined to write in a light, jargon free, engaging way which makes their book an easy read cover to cover. Or, divided into chapters which group together themes, the book is easy to dip into and grab a quick dose of inspiration. The key is there are some great business experiences shared. There are plenty of familiar names, who have had lots of publicity, for instance Hills Hats, Good George and Zeald.

Then there are the less familiar like Tuk Tuk Thai which particularly drew my attention. The small restaurant in Porirua had opened its doors less than a year before Covid hit. Owner Daeng Neuang-keo is quoted saying she was devastated when she realised the impact it would have on her small business.

“We had spent so much time building the momentum and creating this place that we were so proud of but were stretched to make happen. When we heard the news about coronavirus and the impending lockdown period, our hearts sank.”

While many may have become possums in the headline of such a disaster and focused solely on survival of their own business, Daeng thought about how she could help. And that lead her to both make a positive difference in her community and find a way to not just keep her business going but step it up a level.

First, she got herself registered as an essential service, so she could keep her kitchen up and running, then she partnered with her vegetable supplier, started mass-producing her sauces and pairing them with vegetable boxes.

The work they did together not only saved the crop (which otherwise was destined for the bin), it also provided food to their neighbours and community (at a reasonable cost) – and helped keep both of their businesses afloat.

“My customers loved it, and it meant that our grower could keep going, and we could, too!” Daeng remembers. “I think the biggest thing this has taught me is that we all have to work together. Collaboration is the key to helping each other succeed. We feel thankful to be in a position to help other businesses while also finding a way to help ours survive in what felt like a dire situation.”

After that first lockdown ended, Tuk Tuk Thai has continued to partner with their supplier to sell veggie boxes to their customers. They have also developed a new Thai supermarket concept which will be launching soon.

A great story of an enterprising, hardworking business owner and a source of inspiration for any time you’re facing adversity. And that’s what makes Silver Linings a great book. As the publicity says: Silver Linings shows how New Zealand - and New Zealanders - respond when the going gets tough.

We did good New Zealand. And we can keep doing good.

On Friday 26 March, exactly one year on from our first day at “Level 4,” Silver Linings co-founders Dr Michelle Dickinson and Joe Davis host a full day business event in Auckland exploring what has enabled some businesses to survive and thrive through COVID, and the secrets to success in this “new normal.” Speakers include Cecilia Robinson (Tend, My Food Bag), Sir Ian Taylor (ARL), Greg Cross (Soul Machines), Craig Hudson (Xero), Annah Stretton (Annah Stretton), Lisa King (Eat My Lunch, AF Drinks), and Andy Hamilton (Manaaki).

Reviewed by David Gadd