nders have helped us to get through to the other side. Without being able to see our extended whānau face-to-face, and without access to our offices and colleagues, there has been a real sense of resourcefulness and ingenuity as we have adapted to new ways of communicating, collaborating and supporting each other. There was an absolute need and a strong willingness to innovate and find novel ways to stay healthy and support those most in need, while also keeping businesses operating. Physical separation from each other, while still needing to stay ultra-connected virtually, meant personal wellbeing, particularly mental health, has become more crucial than ever. The ongoing challenge of balancing work and home life, all while being physically at home, was unique to all of us – and could only be faced with patience and understanding as children, pets or both injected unexpected moments of joy into our days. Professionally, we’ve also used this disruption as a platform to accelerate and make big strides.  We’re proud to have reduced our environmental footprint by opening our first solar-powered store in Melbourne this year and will soon be able to call ourselves a carbon zero business.     Kathmandu has also invested in options to move to a more circular business model, achieving 100 per cent sustainable cotton in our range and introduced the Moana range of backpacks made with recycled ocean plastics.  The number one priority for our staff, customers and shareholders, however, is human rights. Especially amid a global pandemic, I think it’s important for all of us as consumers to remember that real people are making our products, and the decisions we make have a real impact on their lives.  For example, we didn’t take the easy way out and we supported our suppliers and our partners in South East Asia, China and India and I’m pleased that they have reported fewer than 5 per cent of layoffs.  I’m proud of the ongoing work we’ve done to improve the lives of our employees too, such as achieving the Rainbow Tick, which is especially important, as it ensures that the 16 per cent of our staff who identify as LGBTQIA+ feel safe and supported at work. Being recognised at the 2020 New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards, winning the Simpson Grierson Impact Award for our transgender visibility, awareness, and inclusion program was a highlight. While I would not want to repeat this year, the interruption caused by the pandemic is a chance for us, as businesses and as individuals to reset our foundations of how we participate in the global community.  Now, I’ll be turning on my out of office and spending some time enjoying the beautiful outdoors we have on our doorstep with the people I love the most, my family.  I suggest you do too – we’ve earned it.