Recent updates to Covid-19 regulations including the earlier reopening of the New Zealand border, a second Government support payment and shorter isolation periods for Covid cases, will help to ease pressure on businesses, particularly tourism businesses.
Reopening of New Zealand border
Employers and the tourism sector will benefit from the earlier reopening of the border to Australians, visa-waiver travellers and existing holders of valid visitor visas.
From 11.59pm Tuesday 12 April, Australians will be able to travel to New Zealand isolation-free, and then two and a half weeks later from 11.59pm Sunday 1 May, vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries such as the large tourist markets of the UK, US, Japan, Germany, Korea and Singapore, and those with valid visitor visas, will be able to arrive.
Further advice will be received shortly on options for non-visa waiver travellers, which are currently due to come in from October.
More information (beehive.govt.nz)
Meanwhile the return of working holidaymakers from this week will boost economic recovery by helping to fill workforce shortages and support tourism.
More information (beehive.govt.nz)
Second Covid Support Payment (CSP) open
Applications for the second round of the Covid-19 Support Payment opened on 14 March. To be eligible you must be a viable and ongoing business or organisation and have experienced a drop in revenue of 40% or more.
More information (ird.govt.nz)
Isolation period reduced
Isolation periods for Covid-19 cases and their household contacts have dropped from 10 days to 7 days.
See the details and how this could impact your workers (health.govt.nz)
Get in touch
If you need help with applying for the Covid Support Payment or have any other questions regarding the impact of Covid-19 on your business, please contact us.
