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The Government has unveiled a $12.1 billion support package for the New Zealand economy, with almost half of the cash to be spent on a wage subsidy package for all coronavirus-impacted businesses. Those full-time workers eligible for the package will receive $585 per week from the Government, paid … View moreThe Government has unveiled a $12.1 billion support package for the New Zealand economy, with almost half of the cash to be spent on a wage subsidy package for all coronavirus-impacted businesses. Those full-time workers eligible for the package will receive $585 per week from the Government, paid in a lump sum package of just over $7000 covering a 12-week period. The Government is also raising benefits by $25 a week, starting April 1, and doubling the Winter Energy Payment. This is just the first tranche of the Government spending response – the rest will be unveiled during May's "recovery" Budget. Today's package comes as part of "the most significant peace-time economic plan in modern New Zealand history. The $12.1 billion spending package accounts for roughly 4 per cent of New Zealand's GDP and is comparatively bigger than the relief packages so far announced by Australia, the UK and the US. "The Government is pulling out all the stops to protect the health of New Zealanders and the health of our economy," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. The big-ticket items of the package include $5.1 billion for the wage subsidy package, $2.8b for benefit increases and the bolstered Winter Energy Payment and a further $2.8b for tax changes to free up cash flow. That's a total of $8.7 billion for businesses and jobs. The package also contains an initial $500 million boost in health spending and an initial $600 million to support the aviation sector. A Covid-19 sick leave scheme has also been created and will be available for eight weeks at a cost of $126.5 million.
Some 27,000 workers every two weeks are expected to take advantage of this scheme. Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the package is one of the largest in the world on a per capita basis. It is more than the total sum of new spending in all three of the last Budgets put together.
"The global economic impact of Covid-19 on New Zealand's economy is going to be significant, so we are acting now to soften the impact." But Robertson is forecasting the Government to be in deficit for the foreseeable future and will have to borrow billions of dollars to fund the spending package. "This is the rainy day we have been planning for." The flagship element of the Government's package – the wage subsidy package – is for any employer which has suffered, or is projected to suffer, a 30 per cent decline in revenue compared to any months between January and June the year prior. But to be eligible employers must have taken active steps to mitigate the impact of Covid-19, for example engaging with their banks or financial advisors. Employers also need to declare that they will continue to employ affected employees at a minimum of 80 per cent of their income over the 12 months period.
Some $585.80 a week will be available for full-time workers (20 hours a week or more) or $350 a week for part-time workers (20 hours or fewer a week. The maximum amount any one employer can receive is $150,000. Employers are encouraged to apply for the subsidies – which will be made available today – as soon as possible. "We're going hard with our health response," Ardern said, "and now we're going hard with our financial assistance".
Who's eligible for wage subsidies?
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A six-person forestry contracting business in Gisborne whose revenue is down 90 per cent as a result of Covid-19, for example, will be eligible. The employer would get a lump sum of $42,117 for to pay their employees for 12 weeks.
How does the Covid-19 sick leave work?
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The Government will cover the cost of sick leave for those who have already used their mandatory sick leave and who are not able to work from home. Employers apply to the Ministry of Social Development for a lump sum to help cover the cost.
What are the details of the benefit increase?=====================================
In addition to the $25 a week increase, working for families with children who are not receiving a main benefit and have some level of employment income each week will no longer have to satisfy the hours test to receive the In Work Tax Credit. The benefit increases will come into effect automatically. The Winter Energy Payment will increase to $40.91 per week for single people and $63.64 per week for couples and people with dependents – this increase is for 2020 only.
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The deaths of a mother and her three-day-old baby at a house in West Auckland are not suspicious, po…
SPCA Doggy Daycare is here to help! 🐕🐩🐕🦺
Located at our brand new centre in Hobsonville, SPCA Doggy Daycare combines state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities with the expertise and care of our SPCA canine carers to create the ideal home away from home for dogs and puppies of all … View moreSPCA Doggy Daycare is here to help! 🐕🐩🐕🦺
Located at our brand new centre in Hobsonville, SPCA Doggy Daycare combines state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities with the expertise and care of our SPCA canine carers to create the ideal home away from home for dogs and puppies of all shapes and sizes!
We are proud to provide a safe and loving environment where all dogs can thrive and have fun, while you have the peace of mind that they are being given the best of care.
With a carefully crafted timetable, your pup will have time for play, relaxation and socialization, all while being constantly supervised!
All proceeds go towards helping SPCA animals find loving forever homes 💖
SPCA Doggy Daycare is open Mon-Fri 7am-6.30pm, with plenty of parking for easy pick-up and drop-off!
To find out more, contact our staff on 09 869 6700 or at hobsonville.doggydaycare@spca.nz 🐶
Kia ora,
In light of COVID-19, it is important we are flexible with our plans, follow the Ministry of Health guidelines and be compassionate and calm.
Read below :
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
• Put used tissues in the bin or a bag … View moreKia ora,
In light of COVID-19, it is important we are flexible with our plans, follow the Ministry of Health guidelines and be compassionate and calm.
Read below :
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or by covering your mouth and nose with tissues.
• Put used tissues in the bin or a bag immediately.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often (for at least 20 seconds).
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
• Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing cups or food with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
Events of 500 or more people DO need to be cancelled.
If in Doubt, Don't Go OUT !!
Hi neighbours,
is it time for you to remove that unused car taking up space in your yard?
At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars.
We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
… View moreHi neighbours,
is it time for you to remove that unused car taking up space in your yard?
At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars.
We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
An 18-year-old French man with limited English has gone missing in Auckland. Eloi Jean Rolland was …
Hi Neighbours!
Make sure to have your say and spread the word about the Government's proposed 'accessible streets' rule changes.
One of the biggest changes would allow people riding things like bicycles, skateboards and e-scooters (powered scooter) to use the footpath, with a … View moreHi Neighbours!
Make sure to have your say and spread the word about the Government's proposed 'accessible streets' rule changes.
One of the biggest changes would allow people riding things like bicycles, skateboards and e-scooters (powered scooter) to use the footpath, with a speed limit of 15 kilometres per hour.
Find out about all the changes and submit your feedback on this important issue here: bit.ly...
A statement from the company's chief executive officer on Monday confirmed the airline would suffer substantial losses. "One of the harsh realities we find ourselves facing is that we will require fewer Air New Zealanders as we move to grounding most of our international operations,"… View moreA statement from the company's chief executive officer on Monday confirmed the airline would suffer substantial losses. "One of the harsh realities we find ourselves facing is that we will require fewer Air New Zealanders as we move to grounding most of our international operations," said Greg Foran. Air NZ announced it would be suspending flights between Auckland and Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Buenos Aires, Vancouver, Tokyo Narita, Honolulu, Denpasar and Taipei from March 30 to June 30. It is also suspending its London-Los Angeles service from March 16. "To minimise the level of redundancies we are strongly encouraging staff to take annual leave, long service leave or leave without pay where practicable," said Foran. The New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association (NZALPA) believes the staff cuts at Air New Zealand will be permanent. The association released a statement following a meeting with Air NZ on Monday afternoon, following the airline's morning announcement it was cutting international capacity by 80 percent. "Air NZ will be looking to reduce employee headcount across the organisation by up to 30 percent. We understand this will not be a short term measure," said NZALPA president Captain Andrew Ridling. Foran said it will take more than a year for the airline to fly the same capacity it was before COVID-19.
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Air NZ employs 12,500 people - 30 percent would mean 3750 jobs.
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The NZALPA believes this drastic cutback in flights will cost the airline billions. "The industry is aware that, until this unprecedented situation developed, Air NZ would have had forecasted annual revenue of approximately NZ$6 billion. I would no longer be surprised if that forecast is reduced to around NZ$1 billion," said Ridling. The NZALPA is awaiting further announcements from Qantas and Virgin Australia.
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There's no better time than now to get to know your neighbours, start a Neighbourhood Support group or update your group contact details. Together let's REACH OUT, LOOK OUT, and HELP OUT to keep our communities safe, resilient and connected.
For the latest COVID-19 health advice, visit … View moreThere's no better time than now to get to know your neighbours, start a Neighbourhood Support group or update your group contact details. Together let's REACH OUT, LOOK OUT, and HELP OUT to keep our communities safe, resilient and connected.
For the latest COVID-19 health advice, visit the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora's website.
Police are investigating the sudden deaths of two people at a house in West Auckland. Officers were…
ok folks, be on your alert as a Spark scam going the rounds again. Ive had x3 same messages from Spark - different email addresses. Telling me system going to b out & will get compensation of a yrs free internet. yea rite ... dont open folks, delete - let Spark know they asking for info.
Applications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2020. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and… View moreApplications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2020. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and activities, as well as nightly study guidance.
To apply, visit our website to download an application form. Alternatively, contact the Director of Boarding, Mr Daniel Oram, at d.oram@ags.school.nz.
You have until March 22nd to have your say on our proposed Annual Budget. This is your chance to have input on what Auckland Council is planning over 2020/2021 and help us provide world-class activities and services.
Plus you can also give feedback on the Review of Council-Controlled … View moreYou have until March 22nd to have your say on our proposed Annual Budget. This is your chance to have input on what Auckland Council is planning over 2020/2021 and help us provide world-class activities and services.
Plus you can also give feedback on the Review of Council-Controlled Organisations. We have appointed an independent panel to review Auckland Transport, ATEED, Panuku Development Auckland, Regional Facilities Auckland and Watercare.
Visit akhaveyoursay.nz to find out more and tell us what you think.
The start date was announced by Transport Minister Phil Twyford today, who said the service named Te Huia would consist of two morning trains from Hamilton to Papakura and two return evening services each weekday. It comes after the main drivers of the project, Hamilton City Council, had to push … View moreThe start date was announced by Transport Minister Phil Twyford today, who said the service named Te Huia would consist of two morning trains from Hamilton to Papakura and two return evening services each weekday. It comes after the main drivers of the project, Hamilton City Council, had to push back the start date from June 22 because lifts needed at one station made in China were held up due to the impacts of Covid-19. Councillor Dave Macpherson, who has championed the project, said the council was planning for the lifts at the Rotokauri station to be installed and working by August 3, and other suppliers outside of China were being considered. "And we note that China is now coming back 'on stream' so the comment that the lifts won't be ready is definitely premature and in our opinion unfounded." Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said the total project cost to develop the Rotokauri Transport Hub near The Base shopping centre is $29 million, of which $18.5m was contributed by central government through Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency subsidies. "The new rail service will be great for commuters and day-trippers and is a true partnership between local, regional and central government as well as Crown agencies," Southgate said. She said the lifts at Rotokauri may not be complete due to the international supply chain issues which had delayed delivery of the machinery. "The council is working closely with Downer NZ to get the machinery delivered and installed as soon as possible." The train trip would take a commuter travelling into Auckland central business district 2 hours and 20 minutes, swapping to Auckland Transport's electric rail at Papakura. Hamilton to Papakura would take 88 minutes. A single return train would operate on a Saturday. Times are still being confirmed but departures are currently set at 6am and 6.30am from Hamilton and 5.30pm and 6.30pm from Papakura. The service will start in Frankton, stopping at Rotokauri and Huntly before heading on to Papakura.
Waikato Regional Transport Committee chairman Hugh Vercoe said construction of a rail platform, park and ride facilities, bus interchange, roading upgrades, passenger bridge and stairs at Rotokauri would be complete when the service starts in August, but the lifts were in question. "It's not what we had hoped, but in Hamilton the station at Frankton is accessible and we're working closely with the regional council's public transport team on options to make sure people with mobility issues can use the new service." Twyford hailed the service as a "crucial connection" between the two major cities. "It will allow up to 300 people to get to and from Auckland each day, helping reduce congestion on our highways and transport emissions." He said the new service was part of a wider vision to enable development along the Hamilton-Auckland growth corridor and connect New Zealand's fastest growing job hubs. "The South Auckland/North Waikato area is growing and it's important that we are thinking about the big picture and develop the right infrastructure to unlock that growth. "The Ministry of Transport also has work under way to investigate options for rapid rail between Hamilton and Auckland," he said. The Hamilton – Auckland services received funding through the NZ Transport Agency for five years.During that period the service will be assessed to see where improvements can be made. Waikato Regional Council chairman Russ Rimmington said the start couldn't come soon enough for passengers. "It's a major turning point for the project and will give commuters certainty so they can plan their future travel." The two carriages per train are still being fitted out and will be equipped with Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, tables, power and USB points, and toilets. Work started this week on the Huntly station and associated park and ride facility, which are expected to be completed in time for the launch of the service. The cost of a one-way smartcard fare from Hamilton to Papakura will be $12.20, with a trip from Hamilton into Auckland CBD costing a total of $18.50 if using an AT HOP card on AT Metro services. Smartcard fares between Huntly and Papakura will be $7.80.
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