Boosting support for hard-hit businesses
Our response to COVID-19 over the past 20 months means we’re in a stronger position than many other countries, but we know it’s been tough for businesses – especially those in Auckland. That’s why we’re boosting support for businesses affected by COVID restrictions as we move into the new COVID Protection Framework.
We’ve announced a further package of support for businesses. This includes:
Doubling the Resurgence Support Payment and moving it to a fortnightly payment, so businesses can access up to $43,000 every two weeks to help with financial stress.
Funding for Auckland businesses to receive advice and planning support to help them adapt to a COVID world.
A new mental health and wellbeing support programme for Auckland businesses.
This extra support will ease some of the financial and wellbeing stresses faced by Auckland businesses and provide confidence as we transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework. It will help businesses become more resilient and better position them to seize future opportunities.
The Resurgence Support Payment is available to help businesses with fixed costs like rent. From November, this will be paid out at double the previous rate, and will be paid fortnightly instead of every three weeks. This means each eligible business can now receive up to $43,000 every two weeks to help them through the challenges of COVID.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme will also continue to be available for businesses while areas of Aotearoa remain in Alert Level 3.
It’s not just revenue that’s been affected by COVID-19. We know that the effects on wellbeing and on business resilience are more nuanced than that – which is why the strengthened Resurgence Support Payment is accompanied by a significant package for business advice and mental health and wellbeing, which will help Auckland businesses through this transition period.
Businesses will be able to apply for up to $3,000 worth of advice and planning support, and then receive up to $4,000 to implement that advice through the Regional Business Partners programme. We’re also launching a new mental health and wellbeing programme to support Auckland businesses and employees, which will be designed with the EMA and the Auckland Business Chamber of Commerce.
Our approach to COVID-19 has saved lives and livelihoods. However, we know it’s been tough for businesses and we thank you all for doing your part to keep New Zealanders safe. Now, we’re working to provide you with additional support as we move forward into the next phase of our COVID response, navigating a pathway out of lockdowns and toward greater certainty.
You can find more information on support for businesses at covid19.govt.nz, as well as detailed information about the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, which will help us stay safe into the future while providing more freedoms for vaccinated New Zealanders.