Tēnā Koutou, Please find below that latest news and resources to support you and your business in response to the evolving impact of COVID-19. From important changes to the New Zealand Companies Act to help businesses remain viable, to real-time resilience strategies for coping at this time and a range of business webinars, we hope that this update will connect you with the information you need. Have a safe and happy Easter break, and remember, together we will get through this! Ngā mihi, kia kaha! Graham Budd Sheree Carey Guidelines for essential businesses on Easter trading The Government has announced that during Alert Level 4, supermarkets will be required to be closed as usual on Good Friday, but will be able to open on Easter Sunday. There may be other restrictions on the sale of some items on Easter Sunday, as required under the Shop Trading Hours Act that your business (if it has been deemed essential) needs to be aware of. Learn more about the requirements and employee entitlements below Changes to the New Zealand Companies Act (1993) The Government has announced changes to the Companies Act to help businesses facing insolvency due to COVID-19, to remain viable. The new temporary measures which aim to keep New Zealanders in jobs include:
Immigration New Zealand update Given the changing environment due to COVID-19, Immigration New Zealand is continuing to respond to Government priorities and is working through a variety of concerns raised. This includes:
COVID-19 PPE: NZ Manufacturers Manufacturing NZ has established a register of New Zealand manufacturers who can produce personal protective equipment (PPE) related to COVID-19. If you are able to assist in the production of PPE, please upload your business information below Essential workers leave scheme A new COVID-19 payment will be available to essential businesses for essential workers from Monday 6 April 2020. The Essential Workers COVID-19 Leave Payment Scheme will support essential workers who have to stay at home to comply with public health guidance, and whose employers are unable to keep paying them. The scheme offers the same rates as the Wage Subsidy Scheme of $585.80 per week for full-time workers and $350.00 per week for part-time workers Hack the crisis New Zealand In the face of COVID-19, startups, innovative businesses and individuals across New Zealand are being encouraged to join a united response to help kickstart the New Zealand economy. Launching on April 13, Hack the Crisis is a 48-hour challenge open to all which aims to design, test and bring to life innovative ideas for life in New Zealand beyond COVID-19. Entirely digital, Hack the Crisis submissions open Monday, and the event kicks off Friday evening. If this sounds like something your or your business could contribute to, learn more about the opportunity below Business resources Tripadvisor support To support accommodation providers and restaurant owners in response to COVID-19, Tripadvisor has created some additional features, including a new tool to enable restaurant and hotel owners to mark their business as temporarily closed on the platform and to make other adjustments to their services. Institute of Directors COVID-19 Governance hub The Insitute of Directors has established a COVID-19 Governance hub which aims to keep members updated with the information that will inform their business decisions. This includes a range of resources, courses and webinars. Real-time resilience strategies for coping with Coronavirus From the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience, a brief guide to coping based on the best of science and lived experiences of working in emergency management and resilience training programmes both in Aotearoa New Zealand internationally. Guidelines for working remotely CERT NZ has developed the following resource to support people working from home. This includes recommendations for businesses to implement measures that ensure staff are working in a secure way and still able to protect your organisation’s data while away from the office Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards At this stage, planning is continuing for the Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards which are scheduled to be held on the 19th August. You can learn more about the award categories and the application process below! Business support webinars Leadership from within your bubble Managing Director of Progress People, Robin Rawson is giving an open 30-minute talk on Leadership in support of NZ businesses and individuals during the lockdown. This is limited to 100 people so people are encouraged to join the ZOOM call just prior to 2:00 pm Regional Business Partner Network webinar series The Regional Business Partner Network have partnered with ATEED and EMA to create free webinars in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. From helping employers tackle mental health. to tools around cashflow and redeployment, this webinar series will connect businesses with the practical tips to help you get through Q&A - Your communication challenges in the current environment Steph Hollowing is offering the opportunity for Southland Chamber of Commerce members to join her for a one-hour question and answer session to help you with any communication challenges you are facing in the current environment. Currencies and Agricultural Commodities… The impact of the coronavirus outbreak With so much uncertainty around the impact of coronavirus, what can businesses do? Western Union Business Solutions are hosting this urgent market update to help you consider the alternatives and plan your next move. Important contact details 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. Emergency Management Southland With a state of national emergency declared, Emergency Management Southland is coordinating the region's welfare response to COVID-19. Southlanders who urgently need assistance with access to essential household goods and services due to the COVID-19 lockdown can contact Emergency Management Southland in the following ways: Phone: 0800 890 127 The email and 0800 number will be operated between 7 am-7 pm, 7 days a week. COVID-19 resources for your business You can find information and resources for your business on the Great South website or by going to the unite against COVID-19 site, both links are listed below |