COVID-19 Latest News

2 April 2020

11.48 am
Immigration NZ FAQs

You may have questions about your workers who are currently in NZ on visas, if they are in healthcare they can extend visa conditions of current workers, such as international students, etc, and whether they can get more workers in from overseas on visas. This FAQ goes into some more detail about this.

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Source: Business Central

1 April 2020

5.27 pm
COVID-19 Member Communication

We’re one week down. The situation is still developing, quickly. As we adjust to what is our new normal for the next few weeks, our team is here to support you...
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Source: Business Central

4.19 pm
Free Webinar replay: Managing Cashflow in a Crisis

The spread of Covid-19, and the resulting public policy put in place to contain it, is resulting in significant operational disruption for many companies. A number of companies now face weeks, if not months, of exceptionally difficult trading conditions. For most, the revenue lost in this period represents a permanent loss, rather than a timing difference, and is putting sudden, unanticipated pressure on cash flows and liquidity. Watch the video.
Source: Business Central and Deloitte

31 MARCH 2020

4.16 pm
FAQs

During this uncertain time, we have put together a list of FAQs for businesses impacted by COVID-19. These FAQs are around employment and business, for any health-related questions please refer to the Ministry of Health...
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Source: Business Central

9.44 am
COVID-19 Member Communication

As you are aware, New Zealand is now at Level 4 to stop and eradicate COVID-19- all businesses are required to close unless they are exempted as an essential business. This is an unprecedented time for our country and for you, our members...
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Source: Business Central

30 MARCH 2020

6.34 pm
What you need to know

The Government has further clarified items that can be sold, such as white-ware, heaters, and computers...
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Source: Business Central | NZ Government

12.03 pm
FAQ for your Business

28 MARCH 2020

4.30 pm
What you need to know

The Government has further clarified the requirements of the wage subsidy support package, following changes made yesterday...
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Source: Business Central

27 MARCH 2020

4.57 pm
Wage subsidy scheme changes

The Government has made modifications to the wage subsidy scheme. Finance Minister Grant Robertson says that 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.
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Source: NZ Government

3:30 pm
NZTE Resource Hub

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) are in the process of building an online platform for businesses as a central hub for requests around equipment, staff, storage and other resources. In the meantime, if you have resources or are seeking resources of any kind please email: marketplace@nzte.govt.nz
Source: NZTE

26 MARCH 2020

5:30pm
COVID-19 Additional Financial Advice or Support

Does your business or organisation need financial advice or support? Here is a list of our members who are happy for you to get in touch with them...
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Source: Business Central

25 MARCH 2020

4:00pm
COVID-19 Essential and Non Essential Services Latest Information

What are 'Essential services' classified as and is your industry on the list?
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Source: MBIE

3:00pm
COVID-19 Setting up Working Remotely

This quick reference guide from CERTNZ walks you through the important steps of setting up remote working securely. Read more here.
Source: CERT NZ & NZ Government

1:54pm
COVID-19 Member Communication

A state of emergency has been declared, from tonight at 11.59pm Wednesday 25 March, New Zealand will move to Level 4 Alert activation.
Read more here.
Source: Business Central

8:30am
COVID-19 Further Guidance on Essential Services

Please find below further guidance on essential services...
Essential Services List
Q&A
Source: NZ Government

24 MARCH 2020

6:30pm
COVID-19 Additional Financial Advice or Support

Does your business or organisation need financial advice or support? Here is a list of our members who are happy for you to get in touch with them...
Read more
Source: Business Central

12:30pm
COVID-19 Ministry of Transport further specification of what are “essential services” for the Transport Sector

The following provides an explanation of entities and their workers, carrying out essential services in the transport sector who will not be subject to travel restrictions...
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Source: Ministry of Transport

10:00am
COVID-19 Member Communication

We are hosting online workshops with our experts, to support your business over the coming days and weeks. Below you will find three online events taking place this week...
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Source: Business Central

23 MARCH 2020

6:33pm
COVID-19 Essential Services List

What are 'Essential services' classified as and is your industry on the list?
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Source: Business Central

4:17pm
COVID-19 Moving to Level Three and Four

New Zealand is now at Level 3 to stop and eradicate COVID-19. This means BCP plans now active, alternative ways of working required and non-essential businesses should close. Read more
Source: Business Central

21 MARCH 2020

2:00pm
COVID-19 Employer Guide: Working from Home Policy

Alternative ways of working are encouraged. Employers should start alternative ways of working if possible...
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Source: Business Central | EMA

20 MARCH 2020

9:00am
COVID-19 Member Communication

We all need to do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect New Zealand. Our job is to support you. It is likely to get harder, but it will get better...
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Source: Business Central

19 MARCH 2020

11:00pm
COVID-19 closes borders and limits public gatherings

The Government has announced that New Zealand’s borders will be closed to everyone but citizens and residents from 11.59 pm Thursday 19th March. The Prime Minister said that...
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Source: NZ Government | Business Central

17 MARCH 2020

4:00pm
COVID-19 Member Communication

Today, Tuesday 17th March, the Government announced a $12.1 billion COVID-19 support package for New Zealand businesses. We are in a globally unprecedented and developing situation, but I believe ...
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Source: Business Central

2:50pm
COVID-19 Business Support Package announced

Today the government announced COVID-19 support package for New Zealanders and businesses. The $12.1 billion package includes an initial $500 million boost for health, $5.1 billion in wage subsidies for affected businesses in all sectors and regions available from today...
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Source: NZ Government

16 MARCH 2020

1:36pm
What you need to know

Over the weekend there were several significant developments. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared the COVID-19 ‘outbreak’ a pandemic. There has also been an increase in confirmed cases in New Zealand, including the first case confirmed by an overseas traveller in Wellington.
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Source: Business Central

15 MARCH 2020

1:00pm
COVID-19 Workplace guidance for employers and employees

Minimising the spread of coronavirus is important to keep employees safe and well at work. This should be done before thinking about the interests of the business or organisation. The Ministry of Health has information available on workplace infectious disease prevention. In the case of an emergency, employers and employees should remember to keep in regular contact and deal with each other in good faith.
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Source: Employment NZ

COVID-19

Essential updates for your business

TALK TO SOMEONE:

Additional Resources

Work and Income

If you've been affected by COVID-19, Work and Income may be able to provide financial support. Their financial support applies to individuals and employers.

Inland Revenue Department

Tax relief and income assistance is available to people affected by the downturn in business due to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The IRD have a range of ways to help depending on your circumstances.

NZ Customs Service and Immigration New Zealand

New Zealand Customs Service and Immigration New Zealand control the nation’s border. To remain updated on the travel restrictions for citizens, residents and foreign nationals entering Aotearoa, use these two sites.

Currently Abroad - SafeTravel

SafeTravel is the official registration facility for New Zealanders travelling or living offshore. If you are currently outside of New Zealand, make sure you register. Doing so ensures that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade knows the whereabouts of our citizens, can update you on the situation and can assist with return to NZ if required.

Food and Primary Product Safety in New Zealand

The attached letter is a national statement by MPI that can be referred to or downloaded and used in your businesses commercial interactions where some additional competent authority endorsement of practices is required.

World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation provides updates on protecting yourself, technical guidance, the global situation and e-learning resources.

New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Plan: A framework for action

Practical Notes - Restructuring and Redundancy

Guidance for Working with Older Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 and Tax Matters - Guidance for Businesses and Tax Agents

Continuity and Contingency Plan

Here are guides on how to manage your business operations and planning.

From Canterbury Chamber of Commerce

From Business.Govt