Covid-19 Impacts
Kristin Gillies, March 23, 2020
With the country moving up to COVID-19 Alert Level 4, the impacts on our industry and members are serious.
Last week SEANZ circulated our Response Plan. Members can access it in the Members section of our website.
The key points that all members should understand are:
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Essential services that may continue to operate through this coming period, your business may be eligible. Lead agency, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has stated: “Any entity involved in the production, supply, sale distribution or disposal of electricity, gas, water, waste water (eg sanitation), waste (eg rubbish collection), fuel, telecommunication services, and any entity that is contracted by these entities”. Every business must establish for themselves if they fit these criteria and in the event they continue in operation must put in place alternative ways of working to keep employees safe, including shift-based working, staggered meal breaks, flexible leave arrangements and physical distancing. You can get more detailed information from the government agency on 0800 779 997
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Financial Support from the Government can be accessed on the Work and Income website
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MBIE has a wealth of information to help businesses respond to the crisis on their website.
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Get in touch with SEANZ if you need help responding or have industry-specific questions.
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SEANZ is offering membership fee relief, get in touch for details.
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SEANZ Board is meeting weekly by video conference to understand the impacts from the continual changes globally and in NZ, government actions, and any further impacts so we can advise members accordingly about what it means for our industry and how to mitigate. We welcome members to join us if you want to contribute or understand the changes - get in touch for details.
The economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic will be widespread in our sector impacting demand, tightening supply chains, diverting government and regulatory attention. SEANZ will be monitoring all impacts and advising our members regularly, however, our internal capacity may also be impacted. Please don't hesitate to get in touch but we ask for your patience in our response.
SEANZ is actively working to establish further details and will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
