The Government has put in place a $12.1 billion support package, worth 4% of GDP, which is focused on protecting New Zealander’s health, protecting the vulnerable, protecting livelihoods, supporting our businesses and ensuring the quickest recovery possible on all fronts. This includes a $500 million boost for health, $8.7 billion in support for businesses and jobs and $2.8 billion for income support and boosting consumer spending.
On 23rd March the Government announced a six-month mortgage repayment holiday to homeowners whose incomes have been affected by COVID-19, with the exact criteria being worked through currently.
Further to this, a $6.25 billion Business Finance Guarantee Scheme was announced for small and medium-sized businesses, to protect jobs and support the economy through this unprecedented time. The scheme will include a limit of $500,000 per loan and will apply to firms with a turnover of between $250,000 and $80 million per annum. The loans will be for a maximum of three years and expected to be provided by the banks at competitive, transparent rates and the Government will carry 80% of the credit risk, with the other 20% to be carried by the bank. Businesses can start applying to their banks for loans under the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme. Get in touch with your bank directly, or contact us on [email protected] if you would like assistance.
The whole of New Zealand is currently on Level Four of the COVID-19 alert system. This means only essential businesses are allowed to remain open, and only under strict criteria.
There has been a lot of discussion and questions on what is and isn’t classified as an essential business. The latest list of ‘Essential Services and Businesses’ can be found here and is being updated frequently. Get in touch via [email protected] if you’re unsure, or phone 0508 377 388 if you cannot find the information you need.
All non-essential businesses must now close, including bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries, playgrounds and any other place where the public congregate must close their face to face function.
Primary Industries:
The Primary Industries have been recognised as an essential service, however all businesses must register for Safe Practice to provide assurance that they will be protecting workers and public by limiting interactions and reducing the potential spread of COVID-19. See the FAQ guide, or register here.
Accommodation Providers:
These are classified as an essential service, however any persons staying at an accommodation provider must remain on site for the entirety of the Level Four lockdown.
The following is a summary of Essential Businesses that are remaining open on alert Level Four as of the 23rd March 2020.
If you are unsure if your business is considered essential, email [email protected] or call 0508 377 388.
For questions related to primary industries, including food and beverage production and processing, email [email protected] or call 0800 00 83 33.
The government has developed a plan to support Māori communities and businesses in the face of COVID-19, with a whole of government approach to providing health, social and economic support tailored to meet the specific needs of Māori. This will include:
To find out more about the support available, please contact [email protected].
We recognise that the level of information is significant, and rapidly changing each day. Get in touch so we can help guide you through the different supports available to you and connect you with the resources you need.
Our dedicated team of Business Growth Advisors can connect you to the right information and resources to assist you in navigating this unprecedented time for your business. Ways we can help include:
