News and releases

The Government announced today it will provide interest free loans for a year to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 response.
Many business have been unable to trade through Level 4 and some remain unable to re-open safely at Alert Level 3. By taking these measures needed to keep all of us safe, some small businesses have no revenue to meet fixed costs.

A significant package of tax reforms will be pushed through all stages in Parliament today to throw a cash flow lifeline to small businesses.

The Government is bringing forward measures to protect people in financial hardship from high-cost loans that trap them in debt.

The Government has allocated up to $15 million in savings from the Ultra-fast Broadband initiative to improve rural broadband capacity.

The Government has announced that businesses and other organisations can undertake limited activities on their premises to prepare for the move to Alert Level 3.

New Zealand remains in Alert Level 4 and all New Zealanders should continue to stay home to save lives. Only businesses that are essential can operate premises for workers who cannot work from home during the Alert Level 4 period.

The government has decided that some rules for collective bargaining will be temporarily modified in the Employment Relations Act while the current Epidemic Notice is in place.

One petroleum exploration permit has been granted for Block Offer 2018.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has issued the following statement today.

Everyone travelling in New Zealand should consider returning home as soon as they are able to.