Today's government announcement moves New Zealand up to a Level Three alert on the COVID-19 system. In 48 hours we will move, as a country, to a Level Four.

The social and economic impact of this will be severe, however this response will save many lives. With all non-essential businesses required to close their door from tomorrow onwards, we wanted to reinforce that our team is here to help you through this exceptionally difficult time. We will be publishing the list of what is classified as an ‘essential business’ shortly, keep an eye on CEDA.nz for details.

We are working with Ministry of Social Development, IRD, Immigration New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Te Puni Kōkiri and Te Arawhiti, as well as local organisations such as the Manawatu Chamber of Commerce and Local Government, and we are here to help you to access the support that is available to you.

Other support beyond that offered by MSD and IRD, could be access to a business mentor, or partially and fully subsidised access to expertise in areas such as HR, financial planning and communications, through CEDA and the Regional Business Partners Programme.

If you are a business who has capacity to take on new staff, please let us know as soon as possible. We may be able to match you up with those that are in the difficult position of needing to make some of their team redundant.

Our team are here to help you – please reach out and connect with us or visit CEDA.nz where you will find all the latest information, links to business support available and as well as who to contact during this unprecedented time.

Please Note: Supermarkets and pharmacies will stay open, so please remember that you do not need to stock up or rush.