Another NZ earthquake update

This has come in from the NZ Brewers Guild after they heard about the money raised during the Kiwi SpecTAPulars.

Hi Steve

First of all a huge thank you from me and all other earthquake struck breweries. It is really heartwarming to think that all those craft beer lovers over the ditch are supporting us.

The news on Christchurch breweries is pretty much the same as I told you before and I see you have posted on your blog - thanks for that. The only news since then is that Canterbury Brewery (Lion Nathan) have announced that they will be closing the brewery and moving production to Dunedin. I know they are not a craft brewery as such, but it is the end of an era as the Canterbury brewery was a Christchurch landmark and had recently become the home of the Macs Brewery plant when it was relocated from Wellington. They are investing $15 million in a new distribution warehouse so I doubt they will be looking for funds from the Guild!

How to disburse your generous donation is a bit of a challenge. I imagine that all of the affected breweries will have been covered by insurance to varying extents, but nevertheless the stress of all the waiting and uncertainty takes its toll. We at the Hop still have no idea when we will be allowed back in to either open our doors to the public or just retrieve equipment to start elsewhere. It is now more than 3 months since the earthquake and we are really none the wiser. The Dux de Lux is in a similar situation, although their lease has been terminated and they are still disputing that.

One thought that we had amongst the guild exec was to assist affected breweries with their participation in BrewNZ and Beervana this year. Perhaps assisting those that wish to attend, with flights and accommodation.

Looking at the reports it must have been a great day, I wish I could have been there! I will be sending out a newsletter later today to all NZ breweries spreading the good news about your generous fundraising efforts.

Many thanks

Martin Bennett
Treasurer of the Brewers Guild and co-owner of The Twisted Hop.