Tēnā Koutou, As we adjust to a new 'normal' in lockdown, please be assured that Great South and the Southland Chamber of Commerce are continuing to work together to support local businesses in response to this unprecedented situation. Thank you to those that completed our COVID-19 business impact survey, our teams are now working to get in touch with those businesses that requested assistance. We are also continuing to relay the information obtained from the survey and from the many conversations we have been having with Southland business owners, to Government and Ministerial representatives. Below you will find a range of resources that we believe will support your business at this time, including webinars that are being coordinated across New Zealand to encourage business resilience and a list of contacts that will help you and your business to navigate this uncertain time. We will aim to keep you updated with information as it comes to hand, but in the meantime don't hesitate to get in touch if you require support and stay home and stay safe. Ngā mini, Kia Kaha! Graham Budd Sheree Carey Business support and advice available As we all navigate a situation that continue to change daily, remember that we are here to support you and your business. The Great South team and the Southland Chamber of Commerce are available for you to call and will be able to connect you with the information, referral services and resources that you need at this tim. Great South If you are needing business advice or support, please call 03 211 1400. After we have your details we will organise for a member of our business team to get in touch. Southland Chamber of Commerce For support accessing the Government’s Business Support Package please call 029 214 6900 and for general enquiries and Certificates of Origin call Nikki 03 218 7188. What is an essential business? Essential businesses, and those that support them, will continue to provide the necessities of life for everyone in New Zealand while we are in lockdown. This means food, medicine, healthcare, energy, fuel, waste-removal, internet and financial support. We are extremely thankful for those people who are continuing to provide support to us all in this challenging situation. We appreciate that there has been some confusion around what is deemed to be an essential business if you have questions around this you can get more information at the following details 0508 377 388 or email Ministry for Primary industries register for safe practice The primary industries have been included on the list of essential services. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) now needs assurances from industries and businesses that their processes protect workers and the public by limiting interactions and reducing the potential spread of COVID-19. This includes businesses that supply essential support to a primary industries essential service. Learn more about the safety register below Mental Health Support COVID-19 is scary, and it’s rapidly changing the way we work, socialise, travel, access healthcare, exercise, shop and live. Now, more than ever it is important to look after your mental health and wellbeing so that you can support those around you.Advice and support are available for looking after yourself and others during this time, and there is a range of support services you can access. Business support webinars Hauora health and wellbeing Taking care of business by taking care of your team, information on how you can address the health and safety issues impacting your business and why it makes good business sense to do so. Business Briefing in response to COVID-19 Discuss COVID-19 implications on employment relations and business continuity planning with representatives from Polson Higgs Financial Services, Anderson Lloyd Solicitors, Wilkinson Rodgers solicitors and Tony Alexander an economist based in wellington What are the immediate and longer-term impacts of COVID 19? What is the likely economic impact of COVID 19 and what does it mean for our profession? What can we do now and what should we be thinking about in terms of recovery? What does good communication look like in a crisis? How do we ensure cohesively, joined up and good practice communication across our regions and districts in the COVID-19 crisis? What will COVID 19 mean for our regions? The COVID-19 pandemic is causing economic chaos both internationally and in New Zealand. This webinar will provide up-to-date views on how the economy as a whole is expected to perform, alongside insights on some key drivers of response and how these differ across NZ. Productivity People offer free remote support for COVID-19 affected businesses Productivity People are offering 30-minute remote support sessions for anyone who needs help with issues that affect you and your organisation right now, including:
Immigration NZ update Due to Alert 4 Level being implemented and a declaration of a national civil defence emergency, all visitor, temporary, working or working holiday visas have been extended to late September 2020. This includes
Wage subsidy Q&A provided by Business NZ 1. Is the WAGE subsidy only for supporting employers to maintain staff who can still work, and they're paid the subsidy plus topped up to 80%? Air New Zealand updates international network Air New Zealand is adjusting its international network to match demand and government travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline will operate a limited international network from 30 March to 31 May 2020 to enable essential travel and to keep air freight moving through key cargo corridors to North America and Asia. Overall, international capacity will reduce by 95 per cent from pre-COVID-19 levels. Air New Zealand has set up a dedicated COVID-19 information hub on its website and customers are encouraged to consult this in the first instance. Temporary accommodation service The Temporary Accommodation Service is run through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. If you know of visitors who need to self-isolate for the lockdown period and have not found suitable accommodation, ask them to call temporary accommodation service to register for accommodation support. 0508 754 163 There will be a cost for temporary accommodation, and it is not income or asset tested. New Zealand citizens, or residents on a low income or benefit, may be eligible for support (international visitors may also be eligible). If you are an accommodation provider, please see the below factsheet COVID-19 resources There are a range of resources and digital assets available on the COVID-19 website, including learning what can be done to unite against the virus and slow its spread. You can also keep up to date with the Unite against COVID-19 Facebook page and Instagram page |