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Jacinda is floating the idea of a four-day working week to help boost domestic tourism, productivity and employment in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. The Prime Minister has flagged the idea of using the shorter working week and additional public holidays as part of a "nimble" and … View moreJacinda is floating the idea of a four-day working week to help boost domestic tourism, productivity and employment in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. The Prime Minister has flagged the idea of using the shorter working week and additional public holidays as part of a "nimble" and creative approach to resuscitating the economy. Ardern pointed out the pandemic had taught Kiwis much about productivity as workers adjusted to lockdown. "I hear lots of people suggesting we should have a four-day work week," she said in a Facebook Live video.
"Ultimately, that really sits between employers and employees. But as I've said there's just so much we've learnt about Covid and that flexibility of people working from home, the productivity that can be driven out of that," Ardern said. "Think about if that's something that would work for your workplace, because it certainly would help tourism all around the country." New Zealand's ambitious plan to "eliminate" coronavirus involved the early and aggressive lockdown and travel bans. As early as April 27 Ardern claimed we had "won the battle" after four weeks of heavy restrictions. "There is no widespread undetected community transmission in New Zealand," she said. "We have won that battle. But we must remain vigilant if we are to keep it that way." On May 11 schools (limited classes) and offices reopened, followed by restaurants and cafes. Strict social distancing measures in cafes meant Ardern herself was turned away from dining only to be chased down the road by the owner and offered a seat when one became safely available.
International borders remain closed but with Kiwis now free to travel within the country, tourism operators and airlines ramping up services to meet rapidly growing demand. A three-day weekend and extra holidays could provide a significant boost to business.
In 2018, Perpetual Guardian moved to a four-day week, while retaining five-day pay, for a two-month trial found the change boosted productivity among its 240 employees. Perpetual, which manages trusts, wills and estates, found that staff spending more time with their families, exercising, cooking and gardening, returned to work enthusiastic and energetic. Workers said the change motivated them to use new ways to increase productivity while in the office, including reducing meeting times from two hours to 30 minutes. Other companies around the world have reported similar outcomes. In August 2019, Microsoft Japan tested a four-day week and saw productivity increase by about 40 per cent. The experiment also saw a 23 per cent reduction in weekly electricity use in the office and a 59 per cent decrease in the number of pages printed by employees. New Zealand's strict seven-week lockdown has been praised around the world for stopping the spread of Covid-19 in its tracks, with the nation of five million people now having 35 active cases and just one coronavirus patient in hospital. In total, New Zealand has had 1153 Covid-19 cases and 21 deaths. But strict travel bans have meant tourism and hospitality sectors, which play a vital role in the economy, have been hard hit. Between March 2018 and March 2019 tourism generated NZ$16.2 billion, 5.8 per cent of the country's GDP. The indirect value added by industries supporting tourism generated an additional NZ$11.2 billion. Representatives of the industry, which prior to the crisis employed about 230,000 people, met with the prime minister on Tuesday. After these talks, Ardern said working from home during lockdown had shown how productive employees could be if given more flexibility.
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Aucklanders are flouting water restrictions to wash their cars and water blast their driveways despi…
Buy local and get the best deals on all your favourite brands.
We will resume a contactless operation of our workshop as of Tuesday 28th April.
Please contact us to pre-arrange a suitable time if you wish to drop off a repair. We will have strict COVID-19 procedures in place.
… View moreBuy local and get the best deals on all your favourite brands.
We will resume a contactless operation of our workshop as of Tuesday 28th April.
Please contact us to pre-arrange a suitable time if you wish to drop off a repair. We will have strict COVID-19 procedures in place.
For online sales - please contact us first to confirm stock availability.
AAA Auto parts are back in business and as a local wrecker, we are happy to provide you with the best cash offer for your unused cars. Call today 0800 500 001.
Maintaining a safe distance, single man towing, washing hands regularly in the yard, sanitizer in the towing truck, mask and gloves on … View moreAAA Auto parts are back in business and as a local wrecker, we are happy to provide you with the best cash offer for your unused cars. Call today 0800 500 001.
Maintaining a safe distance, single man towing, washing hands regularly in the yard, sanitizer in the towing truck, mask and gloves on at all times.
AAA Auto parts are offering the best rates in the market to pick up the old cars for the next one month due to COVID19 situation.
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Hi neighbours, as we enjoy the extra freedom of Level 2, we're still seeing a lot of overgrown lawns around West Auckland - get in touch today to arrange your free quote
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www.expresslawnmowing.co.nz...
A family's sandwich bar has found a new lease of life in the middle of the coronavirus crisis with t…
A suspect in the killing of Angela Joy Smith in West Auckland has denied knowing the woman and says …
Hi neighbours, a West Auckland man has had a heart attack after he was prevented from visiting his partner's dying father by coronavirus travel restrictions. Billie Penerata, from New Lynn, has been in hospital and undergone surgery. He believes stress related to being separated from his … View moreHi neighbours, a West Auckland man has had a heart attack after he was prevented from visiting his partner's dying father by coronavirus travel restrictions. Billie Penerata, from New Lynn, has been in hospital and undergone surgery. He believes stress related to being separated from his Australian partner and dealing with Australia's Home Affairs department caused his heart trouble.
If you've ever wanted to travel NZ, now is the time. These deals are incredible value.
An Auckland man is due to appear in court today after being charged over sending allegedly threatening emails to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Police accuse the 54-year-old of "sending three emails having already sent 89 emails" between October 17 last year and January 19 this year, a … View moreAn Auckland man is due to appear in court today after being charged over sending allegedly threatening emails to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Police accuse the 54-year-old of "sending three emails having already sent 89 emails" between October 17 last year and January 19 this year, a charging document viewed by the Herald reads.
The emails, the police allege, were intended to harass the Prime Minister and cause Ardern to "fear for her safety (or) the safety or her family". The man is charged under the Harassment Act 1997 and faces a maximum sentence of two years' imprisonment if found guilty, the charging document states. He is due to appear in the North Shore District Court later today. In separate cases, two men were charged last month with threatening to kill after allegedly sending and posting social media messages to National Party leader Simon Bridges.
By harnessing online learning to blend tech features with traditional teaching methods, students’ progress can be easily tracked and feedback can be given instantly. Read on to learn how an encouraging environment established within NumberWorks’nWords centres has been perfected and can be … View moreBy harnessing online learning to blend tech features with traditional teaching methods, students’ progress can be easily tracked and feedback can be given instantly. Read on to learn how an encouraging environment established within NumberWorks’nWords centres has been perfected and can be applied to students’ daily learning, so that when they finish their studies, they are more motivated than ever.
Auckland Council needs to find significant savings of $120 million, and fast, as the economic impact of Covid-19 gets bigger, according to a leaked email from chief executive Stephen Town. The savings target comes as councillors meet behind closed doors tomorrow to consider the latest version of an… View moreAuckland Council needs to find significant savings of $120 million, and fast, as the economic impact of Covid-19 gets bigger, according to a leaked email from chief executive Stephen Town. The savings target comes as councillors meet behind closed doors tomorrow to consider the latest version of an "emergency budget" that includes proposals for an overall rates rise of 3.5 per cent alongside an alternative 2.5 per cent increase. Rising costs for waste management and lowering rates for businesses could see rates tip the scales at 4.5 per cent for households and about 2.5 per cent for businesses under the 3.5 per cent option.
In the email to more than 12,000 full-time and part-time staff at council and its five council-controlled organisations(CCOs), Town says how incredibly proud he is of how staff have come together to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. "Together we have shown Aucklanders the value we bring and the pride we take in supporting them during a crisis. From delivering food parcels to providing essential services and keeping our city running, we've really stepped up," he said.
Yesterday, Town announced in a media release staff who earn more than $100,000 will be asked to take a minimum pay cut as it tries to find savings after a dramatic cut in revenue over the past two months. The voluntary pay cuts will only impact staff earning six figures and will be a tiered approach with the higher earners being asked to take a bigger cut.
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There will be a 5 per cent reduction for anyone earning between $100,000 and $175,000, a 7.5 per cent reduction for anyone earning between $175,001 and $275,000 and a 10 per cent reduction for anyone earning above $275,001 for six months. The 2019 annual report shows 2831 council and CCO staff earned more than $100,000 - a jump of 358 staff from 2473 the previous year. Town also announced a comprehensive operating review with a view to begin implementing changes by August 1. "All of this means that the entire council group has to make some difficult decisions to find significant savings over the next year and close the financial gap that has been created. Our share of the savings is $120 million.
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"Even if we return to 'normal' tomorrow, the damage to the economy is considerable, and this will continue to have a profound effect on our income (rates and non-rates revenue) for several years to come," said Town. He said reducing costs wherever possible - council has protected and paid all staff their full salaries during lockdown - have made a contribution but nowhere near the level of savings required. Town said three difficult actions are under way, including voluntary pay cuts for staff earning more than $100,000, discussions with the PSA about this year's remuneration review and a review of the council's operating model. "It is expected that this review will result in a reduction in permanent employees," said Town, noting staff are the largest cost for the council. He said the size of the challenge means there is not a single solution and a range of solutions are needed. "But I need you to be aware that we have to implement some changes by August 1, 2020 so that savings from these changes have a material impact for our next financial year. "I know this will create uncertainty for you at a time which is already difficult - we are all trying to make sense of this new world we're in and what it means for us and our households," he said.
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The freeze on tenancy terminations has impacted 'Mum and dad' landlords in ways no-one could have predicted prior to Covid-19.
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