Information and support on COVID-19

Across Manawatū the effects of COVID-19 are being felt by all of our communities and businesses.

The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) is available to support you through this unprecedented time and the challenges that will be faced. As providers of the Regional Business Partner Network across Manawatū-Whanganui, we have an important role, funded by government to link businesses to available support.

Our team of dedicated Business Growth Advisors are also here to help, simply fill in this form to get in touch.

Are you struggling due to the impact of COVID-19? Please get in touch. 

COVID-19 Support Package at a glance

Business Support

• Wage subsidies will be available for businesses in all parts of the country that can show they've had a 30 percent decline in revenue for any month between January and June 2020 compared to the year before.
• Eligible businesses, employers will be paid $585.50 per week for full-time staff, and $350 for part-time staff.
• Wage subsidies now apply to all New Zealand employers, contractors, sole traders, self-employed people, registered charities and incorporated societies and are not capped.
• A support package estimated to cost $126 million is also being made available for those people unable to work because they're either in quarantine, sick from Covid-19, or caring for family in either of those situations.
• These payments will be the same as the wage subsidy amounts but are only available for eight weeks and employers will be expected to meet all of their requirements in terms of sick leave.
• Some changes to provisional tax, deprecation also announced.

Benefits

• Permanent $25 per week increase in benefits from April 1
• Winter Energy Payment which goes to those on benefits and NZ Super will double to $1400 for couples and $900 for single people.

Health

• A dedicated $500 million fund for health that includes funding for extra intensive care capacity and equipment for hospitals, support for GPs and primary care and improving video conferencing and telehealth consultations.
• Healthline to get $20m for more staff

Aviation and Worker Redeployment

• Support of $100 million has been allocated for the redeployment of workers and retraining. The first region being targeted is Tairawhiti.
• Estimated $600m for aviation sector and to protect supply chains. This does not include any support for Air New Zealand. It is expected to assist the country's largest airports suffering a huge downturn in travel.

More information below:

• Health Package Factsheet
• Business cashflow and tax measures factsheet
• Wage subsidy scheme factsheet
• Income support factsheet
• COVID leave support

How can CEDA help?

CEDA are working actively across industry, organizations, government agencies and our partners to look at what needs we have as a business community and to provide additional support and guidance to businesses. Our team of Business Growth Advisors are working with businesses across the Manawatū-Whanganui region to bring support to our business during this time.

Sign-up to our 60 Seconds with CEDA newsletter to stay in the loop.

There is a wealth of key information for businesses and we’d encourage you to look to these for the most current and up to date information available, and remind you that if you are a business owner who is seeking guidance or support, we have a team of Business Growth Advisors here ready to help you.

Would you like to talk to one of our Business Growth Advisors?

Resources and information

COVID-19

This website has everything you need to know about COVID-19 in one place. Learn the simple steps you can take to unite against the virus and slow its spread, find out what help is available and get the latest updates.

Essential and Non-Essential Businesses

Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand. All non-essential businesses must now close. Please check this list to see how your business is classified.

Workplace Prepardness

The emergence of COVID-19 across the globe has created a new work health and safety risk that businesses need to consider.

Ministry of Health

For the most up to date information and advice, from events and travel to self-isolation guidelines, and managing your mental wellbeing, this website is updated daily.

Managing your Mental Health

Tips and resources to help with managing your mental wellbeing.

Tax Relief

Tax relief and income assistance is available to those affected by a downturn in business due to COVID-19.

Tourism New Zealand

Keep up to date with the latest sector information from Tourism New Zealand.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Comprehensive information and updates for exporters.

Hospitality New Zealand

Keep an eye on the Hospitality New Zealand’s toolkit and sector information.

Immigration New Zealand

Updated notices and changes from Immigration New Zealand, including visa extensions and departing and transitioning from New Zealand.

Education and Childcare

If you are a childcare centre, work in education or are the parent, caregiver and whānau of learners, guidance is available from the Ministry of Education.

Sign-up to our 60 Seconds with CEDA newsletter to receive ongoing information and updates from CEDA regarding COVID-19.