Useful links

There are a number of sites offering useful information:

www.covid19.govt.nz – a website dedicated solely to COVID-19 with links to all information including business, health and travel.

What does Alert Level 4 mean for you?

Covid 19: Locations of interest | Ministry of Health NZ

Ministry of Health Covid 19 updates

Business

Guidance for business at Level 4

Excellent NZTE resource for a wide range of templates and information - advice for exporters.

Government’s central resource for COVID-19 business information

Worksafe: Managing health and Safety

Got questions or need support? Call the free Covid 19 Business Helpline

All New Zealand businesses, including sole traders, can get support and advice on:

Government financial support, eg low-interest loans, tax relief
What different alert levels mean for your business
Business continuity
Finding free or subsidised expert help, eg a business mentor or advisor.

Employers can also get specific advice on people challenges, including staffing changes, employee wellness, and meeting your health and safety obligations.
North Island 0800 500 362 | South Island 0800 505 096

Financial Support

The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) allows eligible employers anywhere in the country can apply for the WSS if they expect a loss of 40 percent of revenue as a result of the Alert Level increase announced today. The WSS rates have been increased to reflect the increase in wage costs since the scheme was first used in March 2020. Businesses will be eligible for $600 per week per full-time equivalent employee, and $359 per week per part-time employee. The Wage Subsidy will be paid as a two-week lump sum. Applications open on Friday 20 August with the first payments usually available after three days. Apply here
The Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) will be open to applications from 8am on Tuesday 24 August and will be available until one month after a nationwide return to Alert Level 1. This payment will be available to any business or organisation in New Zealand that experiences at least a 30% drop in revenue or a 30% decline in capital-raising ability over a 7-day period, due to a COVID-19 alert level increase of level 2 or higher. The RSP is worth up to $1500 plus $400 per full-time equivalent employee, up to a maximum of 50 full-time employees (so up to a total of $21,500). Applications can be made at MyIR. Apply here.
The Leave Support Scheme (LSS) provides a two-week lump sum payment of either $585.80 per week for full-time workers, or $350 per week for part-time workers, who must self-isolate and cannot work from home. More information is available here.
The Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP) provides a one-off (once per 30 days) $350 payment for workers who must miss work due to a COVID-19 test and cannot work from home. Further information about this payment is available on the MSD website.