Tēnā Koutou, It has been a tough few weeks for our local businesses. The Great South and Chamber teams have been working together to support multiple industries, their affected staff and collect important data about the state of the region. The information being gathered is vital to ensuring that Central Government understands the regional impact of COVID-19, and in turn, can provide the support that is needed. Level 4 - Lockdown will be as hard as it gets, but now we need to be thinking about the next step - Level 3 Restrict - and what that means for your business, employees, and customers. Will you be able to open? What measures do you need to put in place to stay safe? There will be more details to come in the next few days on what this looks like, in the meantime, start thinking about your plan and be innovative – can you use a phone, the internet, an app, a car, click & collect to get your product and service out there safely? We do not yet have a date to move to level 3, but let us be prepared. We are all in this together! Ngā mihi, kia kaha! Graham Budd Sheree Carey Moving to Alert level 3 - the criteria Yesterday, the Government announced the four criteria that will need to be met before New Zealand is ready to transition to Alert Level 3. This includes;
Changes at Alert level 3 When, and if we move to Alert Level 3 we will see many significant restrictions on New Zealanders’ movements retained but aspects of the economy will be able to reopen to allow the economic recovery to begin. Changes at Alert level 3 include:
Information for workers and businesses Most, but not all businesses can start to open under Alert Level 3. However, they must take health measures to keep their workers safe. This includes:
Support for small and medium-sized businesses The Government has announced a suite of new measures to provide relief for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include Tax changes to support businesses
Measures to support commercial tenants and landlords The Government is extending the timeframes required before landlords can cancel leases and mortgagees can exercise their rights to sale or repossession. This includes:
Further business consultancy support The Regional Business Partner Network will scale up their existing advisory services so that more businesses can receive support over the next 12 months. Great South, as the Regional Business Partner, will administer this for the Southland region. Immigration New Zealand to relax visa conditions The Government has agreed to relax visa conditions for a short period to allow temporary migrants and international students to further assist with our essential services during the COVID-19 response. This includes temporary migrants and international students being able to vary their hours. Business resources Manaaki A support network of business experts where businesses can ask for help, seek advice and offer their own support Wellbeing support A mental health campaign "Getting through together" has been launched to help Kiwis care for their mental health during the COVID-19 crisis Managing your cashflow A guide from NZTE for managing your cashflow through COVID-19 and ensuring you can have informed conversations with funders and advisors Mutually Helpful Southland SBS Bank is providing a range of resources and information to help navigate the financial challenges of COVID-19, and increase overall wellbeing. Business support webinars Currencies and Agricultural Commodities: The impact of the coronavirus outbreak Western Union Business Solutions are hosting this market update to help your business consider the alternatives and plan your next move. COVID-19 Economic Update Webinar Findex is hosting chief economist Jarrod Kerr, from Kiwibank to discuss the current climate and what may occur in the coming months with a focus on the economic impact of COVID-19 and the overall market overview Thinking, behaviour & models that economic development will require in a post-COVID New Zealand Economic development will require different thinking, different behaviours, and different business models. Join Dr Ganesh Nana of Research Director, BERL to learn more 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. |