Govt announces temporary $490 per week payment for Kiwis unemployed due to Covid-19
The $570 million scheme, called the Covid Income Reflief Payment, is aimed to help people adjust and find new employment or retrain. It will be available for 12 weeks from June 8 for anyone who has lost their job due to the impact of Covid-19 since March 1. It will pay $490 a week to those who lost full-time work and $250 for part-time. The payment will also not be taxed. "The Government’s priority is making sure people are in work and able to find new work if their job has been impacted by Covid," Mr Robertson said. "That’s why we made a $1.6 billion investment in the Budget to help people retrain. The Budget also invested to create practical jobs for New Zealanders through environmental work, construction and infrastructure. This payment will help Kiwis as they make these transitions." Mr Robertson compared the scheme to the Job Loss Cover payment, which was introduced by the previous Government during the Canterbury earthquakes. He also said it had similarities to the ReStart package for workers who lost their jobs in the Global Financial Crisis. "We know these schemes reduced the impact on people who lost their jobs due to those shocks. They show how important it is for people to have a safety net to support themselves and their families as they look for new work or retrain.
"As we move from the respond and recover phases of our Covid response, and towards rebuilding the economy, we have an opportunity to reset some of the foundations of the safety net for working New Zealanders."
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Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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27.9% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.5% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.8% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below
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Fire at New Lynn mosque
Firefighters were called to a blaze at an Auckland mosque this afternoon.
What you need to know:
- Fire crews were notified of a blaze in the New Lynn Imam Reza Mosque on Tuesday at 9.43am.
- The blaze was said to be on the ground floor of the two-storey building.
- A back window of the mosque was also found smashed this morning.
- The fire was said to be so intense that plastic chairs had melted in the blaze.
Three fire crews were at the address and have since left the scene. A fire investigator remains at the address
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