HON GRANT ROBERTSON Beehive press release – 1st April, 2020 Businesses can now start applying to their banks for loans under the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme set up to support the New Zealand economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re moving quickly to protect New Zealand businesses, jobs and the economy during this unprecedented global economic Read on
The adult minimum wage rate has increased $1.20 from $17.70 to $18.90 per hour from 1 April 2020. The starting-out and training minimum wage rates will increase 96 cents from $14.16 to $15.12 per hour, and will remain at 80% of the adult rate. The minimum wage increase is occurring while New Zealand is at Read on
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the wage subsidy. Members are also advised to read the FaQ’s on the Work and Income website here. The FaQ’s are in the following sections: Application process Tax Who can apply for wage subsidy Questions re payment of subsidy Other questions Application process Do businesses Read on
HON GRANT ROBERTSON Beehive press release – 27th March, 2020 The Government has made modifications to the wage subsidy scheme to ensure people don’t lose their jobs during the national lockdown. These changes will soften the impact of COVID-19 on workers, families and businesses, and position them to exit the lockdown and look to recovery, Read on
The Government has issued an epidemic management notice that comes into effect on Thursday 2 April 2020. This may have some impacts on visas of people in New Zealand. Temporary visas extended The epidemic management notice means all temporary entry class visas can be extended for people who are currently in New Zealand. This includes: Read on
The Government, retail banks and the Reserve Bank have announced a major financial support package for home owners and businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19. The package will include a six month principal and interest payment holiday for mortgage holders and SME customers whose incomes have been affected by the economic disruption from Read on
Non-essential businesses, including cafes, restaurants, bars & takeaways must close. You will have all heard the Government announcement that the alert level in New Zealand is currently Level 4 – and will remain at Level 4 from 25th March for at least 4 weeks. This means that non-essential businesses must now close. All restaurants, cafes, Read on
Westpac NZ is supporting small businesses by waiving contactless debit fees for eligible existing customers for six months. Westpac NZ General Manager of Experience Hub, Karen Silk, says the bank recognises the increased demand from both consumers and businesses for contactless services in the current environment. “We’re working hard to help people affected by Covid-19 Read on
Hospitality venue staff and guests should follow Ministry of Health and Government guidelines to assist with managing and reducing transmission of COVID-19. New guidelines on mass gatherings are not intended to adversely impact hospitality establishments like cafes, restaurants and bars. Members can Download the Restaurant Association’s template guest register here. Additionally, members can use this signage to help Read on
The Restaurant Association is developing a number of resources relating to managing your business through the current situation. These will be updated and added to regularly. Jump to the Member Resources section to access these templates and guides. As at 25 March the resources available include: NEW: General advice regarding requirement to close – COVID-19Letter Read on
– ways to adapt your business to the coronavirus pandemic With the coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak a rapidly changing situation, consumers are currently driving big changes in their spending and dining habits. While this has bought extremely tough times to the industry, some of our businesses have been quick to react. They are looking at their Read on
On 17th March, the Government has released an economic response package to help cushion the impact of COVID-19 and support the economy during the COVID-19 crisis. Read the Finance Minister’s Statement to Parliament on the economic relief to COVID-19 here . The package includes: wage subsidy scheme leave and self-isolation support business cash flow and Read on