+64 3 577 9575
COVID-19 | LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS
To sign up and receive our weekly emails click here for the sign up form
21 SEPTEMBER
14 September
The Auckland region is at Alert Level 2, with extra restrictions on social gatherings, funerals and tangihanga. This will remain in place until at least 11:59pm on Wednesday 23 September.
Auckland restrictions on gatherings, funerals and tangihanga
Auckland's Alert Level will next be reviewed on Monday 21 September. The decision will be announced that day.
The rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2. This will remain in place until at least 11:59pm on Monday 21 September.
This Alert Level will next be reviewed on Monday 21 September. The decision will be announced that day.
3 SEPTEMBER
Details of tourism loan scheme to protect jobs and businesses
27 AUGUST
Progress on COVID-19 vaccine strategy
Use of face coverings on public transport outlined
24 August
New Zealand will remain at the existing Alert Levels until Sunday
As many of you would have listened to the Prime Ministers announcement in regards to Alert Levels here is a recap - Auckland will remain in Alert Level 3 until 11.59 on Sunday 30 August, they will then drop down to Alert Level 2 with restrictions in place for mass gatherings. The rest of New Zealand will remain at Alert Level 2 with a review of this before Sunday 6 September. From 11.59pm on 30 August New Zealanders will have to wear a mask or face covering on buses, trains, ferries, planes, taxis and Ubers.
21 august
Cabinet will meet on Monday to decide the alert levels for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. In the meantime we remain in Alert Level 2.
New wage subsidy open to protect jobs, support businesses
Eligible businesses can apply for a two-week wage subsidy of up to $1,171.60 per worker from today to help cover wages as part of the Government’s plan to protect jobs and support the economy.
Applications for the new wage subsidy are now open. The new wage subsidy and the current Wage Subsidy Extension – which is open for new applications until 1 September – will support an estimated 930,000 jobs. Click here to head to the MSD website.
20 august
Business Finance Guarantee simplified and expanded to support COVID-19 recovery
17 AUGUST
New wage subsidy, leave scheme protects jobs and businesses
Resurgence Wage Subsidy
Yesterday there was announced an extension to the Wage Subsidy scheme in the wake of Auckland's return to a Level 3 lock-down. A 2-week COVID-19 Resurgence Wage Subsidy payment will be available nationally for employers, including self-employed people, who are financially impacted by the resurgence of COVID-19 and changes to COVID Alert Levels.
To qualify, a business or self-employed person must have had, or be predicted to have, a 40 percent drop in revenue of a consecutive 14 days because of COVID-19 in the period 12 August to 10 September 2020 by comparison to a similar period last year. The subsidy is so businesses can keep paying their employees.
Applications can be made from 1pm 21 August to 3 September 2020 and payments will run from the date of application. You can only receive one COVID-19 subsidy at any one time per employee. Resurgence Wage Subsidy is for businesses meeting the criteria that aren’t getting the current Wage Subsidy, Wage Subsidy Extension or Leave Support Scheme.
If you have an questions, please email us at Top_of_the_South_Employment_Team@msd.govt.nz or refer to the website https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/covid-19/resurgence-wage-subsidy/
- From 1pm on 21 August 2020 the revenue test will no longer apply. Applications made prior will still be subject to revenue reduction criteria
- Full details and obligations here
The mortgage deferral scheme is also being extended from its current end-date of 27 September, to 31 March 2021. Click here for details.
15 AUGUST
All businesses will be required to display government generated QR code posters at all premises from 12pm on Wednesday 19 August. For more info on QR codes on business.govt.nz click here.
Create your official NZ COVID Tracer Poster — covid19.govt.nz
Business.govt.nz - Guidance for doing business in Alert Levels 2 & 3
14 AUGUST
Alert Levels
- Auckland moved to Alert Level 3 at 12 noon on Wednesday 12 August. This will remain in place until Wednesday 26 August - see overview of restrictions
- The rest of New Zealand moved to Alert Level 2 at 12 noon on Wednesday 12 August. This will remain in place until Wednesday 26 August - see Alert Level 2 restrictions.
- Government will review these on Friday 21 August
Govt to protect jobs and businesses with extra support - Finance Minister Grant Robertson said Cabinet has made an in-principle decision to extend the wage subsidy, and modify the COVID-19 Sick Leave Scheme to make it more accessible. Details will be finalised over the weekend and announced on Monday.
12 AUGUST
Air New Zealand update on Domestic travel
The following processes that have been implemented during COVID-19 Alert Level 3 for the Auckland region and Alert Level 2 for the rest of New Zealand.
Who can travel at what Alert Level:
• Air New Zealand recommends referring to the Ministry of Transport’s website for the most up to date information:
https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/covid-19/transport-and-travel-by-alert-level/#airservices
Key points to note:
• Travel to/from Auckland is only permitted for customers who are travelling home or for essential services.
• Transiting customers travelling via Auckland Airport to depart on an international flight, or to travel to another domestic destination are permitted. When transiting, customers are not permitted to leave the airport precinct.
• At this time, no changes have been made to the current Domestic schedule. This will continue to be reviewed and any changes communicated.
For the latest information, please refer to the Air New Zealand Covid-19 Hub and travel alerts page:
https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/covid19
https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travel-alerts
Managed isolation charges for travel into New Zealand
Effective immediately the New Zealand government has introduced managed isolation charges for select customers returning to New Zealand.
11 AUGUST
New Zealand's Alert Levels are changing
At 12 noon on Wednesday 12 August New Zealand's Alert Levels will change.
15 july
Next steps in COVID response - RT Hon Jacinda Ardern today set out their plan in the event we have a new case of community transmission of COVID-19 in New Zealand.
New guidance for doing business online - Successfully doing business online can build sales, save time and reach new customers. Use this free new tool to learn how your business can do better business online.
Immigration NZ - Changes the Government announced last year to improve the employer-assisted temporary work visa system are coming into effect on 27 July 2020. They are also adding some occupations to the skill level exception list (Appendix 7) for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
14 JULY
More support rolls out for SMEs
26 JUNE
Is your business undertaking R&D and finding it challenging to fund your activities due to COVID-19? Stage 1 of applications for the R&D Loan Scheme is now open, encouraging businesses to continue their R&D programmes in the face of COVID-19 impacts.
18 JUNE
$40m for regional apprenticeships
17 june
Backing businesses to upskill New Zealand
16 JUNE
Amendments to the Overseas Investment Act have come into force in regards to the impact on overseas investors looking to invest in or purchase New Zealand businesses - Click here for further information.
15 JUNE
$60m for nationwide job creation
9 JUNE
Information on life and business at Alert Level 1
Wage Subsidy Extension threshold changed
On Friday, the Government announced a change to the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Extension. Employers, including sole traders, will now have to demonstrate a 40+% drop in revenue for a continuous 30 day period by comparison to the closest period last year. The previous threshold was a 50+% drop. The Wage Subsidy Extension will be available from 10 June to 1 September 2020. For more information, please see the Work and Income website.
Government loan applications extended
Government has announced a six-week extension for the Small Business Cashflow (loan) Scheme (SBC). Applications opened on 12 May 2020 and can now be submitted up to and including 24 July 2020. Click here to check your eligibility.
8 JUNE
New Zealand will be at Alert Level 1 on Tuesday 9 June
5 june
Govt extends support schemes for businesses
4 JUNE
Supporting Kiwi businesses to resolve commercial rent disputes
3 JUNE
Alert Level 1 measures - Today, Government agreed to what life at Alert Level 1 will look like for New Zealand and New Zealanders.
26 MAY
Impact of Covid on the Maori economy
25 May
Upcoming changes to gathering numbers
The Government has announced an increase to the number of people who can gather together at Alert Level 2. From 12 noon Friday 29 May, gatherings can be held with up to 100 people.
The new limit applies to gatherings at your home, events outside of home and public venues – including church services, weddings and, funerals and tangihanga. When holding a gathering, play it safe — maintain hygiene standards and meet existing record-keeping requirements for contact tracing. Community sports will also be able to operate easier, and sporting codes will be working on further guidance with Sport NZ.
Cabinet will again review the settings of Alert Level 2 on 8 June and have agreed that no later than 22 June, 4 weeks from today, they will consider a move to Alert Level 1.
New COVID-19 Income Relief Payment available from 8 June
-
Read the Beehive announcement
-
How to apply and who is eligible via the Work and Income website.
20 may
NZ COVID Tracer helps you protect yourself, your friends, your whānau and your community by enabling faster contact tracing.
NZ COVID Tracer is available now from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for download.
14 May
Budget 2020 via the Budget website
Download the Budget 2020 Document
Targeted extension to the Wage Subsidy Scheme
The Prime Ministers Budget Speech
Grant Robertson's Budget Speech
13 may
Marlborough District Council services at Alert Level 2
12 MAY
Click here for our latest email newsletter
11 may
Level 2 Announcement from the Prime Minister
7 MAY
ALERT LEVEL 2 INFORMATION HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED
NEW - Alert Level 2 restrictions announced
NEW - Alert Level 2 information via covid19.govt.nz
NEW - Safe domestic travel able to resume at Alert Level 2
NEW - Updated Detailed Alert Level Table
NEW - Updated Summary Alert Level Table
NEW - Professional sports to resume at Alert Level 2
NEW - Exercise, sport and recreation info under each Alert Level on Sport New Zealand
NEW - Workplace operations at COVID-19 alert levels on business.govt.nz
6 MAY
Employment growth shows strong economy heading into COVID-19
APEC economies agree to keep markets open and trade flowing in response to COVID-19
$25 million for innovative solutions in response to COVID-19
5 May
Insolvency relief in sight for businesses affected by COVID-19
2 MAY
International cargo flights ramp up
1 may
Government boosts cashflow support for small businesses - for more information to the Inland Revenue website.
30 APRIL
Tax changes throw cash lifeline to SMEs
29 APRIL
Government considering commercial rent relief options
28 APRIL
Immigration NZ relaxing Visa conditions for essential workers
Employers in essential services can apply for certain variations of visa conditions on behalf of a visa holders. Information is available here.
Sport New Zealand
Have released information on play, active recreation and sport at Alert Levels 4 & 3. Click here to have a read.
COVID-19 leave support for workers extended
PGF projects resume at Alert Level 3
Govt in strong position to invest, support economy
26 APRIL
Guidance around what Alert Level 3 means for people over 70 and other higher-risk groups is now available on the COVID-19 website
24 APRIL
COVID-19 leave support for workers extended
23 april
Media support package delivers industry request for assistance
Level 3 rules for hunting confirmed
21 april
State of National Emergency extended
Minister gives Moving Day the green light
20 APRIL
Prime Minister’s remarks on COVID-19 alert level decision
17 APRIL
business.govt.nz Workplace operations at COVID-19 alert levels
16 APRIL
Updated Detailed Alert Level Table
Updated Summary Alert Level Table
Prime Ministers announcement in regards to Alert Levels
Click here to head to the IRD website for further information on the tax changes announced yesterday. In the upcoming weeks, Inland Revenue will be drafting legislation to bring all the proposed changes into effect.
15 April
CLICK HERE to see what the Government has announced in regards to a suite of new measures to provide relief for small and medium-sized businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. (15 April)
14 April
CLICK HERE for the Governments latest release on COVID-19 Economic Scenarios released today and CLICK HERE to download them
CLICK HERE for the Governments latest release on the further support available for Kiwis wanting to look after their mental wellbeing as a result of change and uncertainty from COVID-19.
3 APRIL
CLICK HERE for information on the changes the Government has advised to the Companies Act
3 APRIL
CLICK HERE for information on the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme for small and medium-sized businesses
1 APRIL
CLICK HERE for information on the COVID-19 and the minimum wage - this provides some guidance for employees and employers in regards to the minimum wage increase during Alert Level 4 commencing on the 1 April 2020.
