News / Events

COVID-19 Update 29 November 2021 - Traffic Light Settings & Business Support

Rāhina 29 Whiringa-ā-rangi 2021 / Monday, 29 November 2021

COVID-19 PROTECTION FRAMEWORK LEVELS

Following a meeting with Cabinet Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced further details of New Zealand's transition to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System), from 11:59PM Thursday, 2 December 2021:

  • RED: Northland, Auckland, Taupō and Rotorua Lakes Districts, Kawerau, Whakatane, Ōpōtiki Districts, Gisborne District, Wairoa District, Rangitikei, Whanganui and Ruapehu Districts.
  • ORANGE: Rest of North Island, and All of South Island


More information about Life at RED HERE including specific details for Businesses and Workplaces

More information about Life at ORANGE HERE including specific details for Businesses and Workplaces

Additional information:

  • Levels will be reviewed again on Monday, 17 January 2022
  • Criteria to establish the levels in each area include vaccination numbers, capacity of the health and disability system, covid transmission, cases, and the impact of the virus on vulnerable populations.
  • Aucklanders can now meet with friends and family inside, however, unvaccinated people have additional restrictions on the numbers who can gather.


SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
Minister of Finance Grant Robertson announced that Cabinet has agreed to a new Transition Payment to support those businesses affected by the transition to the COVID-19 Protection Framework.

  • The payment is at a higher base rate than the current Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) and would be $4000 per business, plus $400 per full-time equivalent (FTE) worker up to a cap of 50 FTEs – a maximum payment of $24,000
  • It is deemed necessary targeted support would only be available under the Red setting of the new system as businesses that operate vaccine passes have no significant restrictions at Orange and Green,
  • The one-off transition payment would be activated through the resurgence support payment (RSP) system criteria and be available on December 10, 2021
  • This is in addition to the final rounds of the Wage Subsidy Scheme (Available Until 9 December 2021) and the COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment (Available until Thursday 2 December 2021)
  • Treasury has estimated the likely total cost of the payment to be between $350 and $490 million.
  • Support to be off work while isolating or to take leave while waiting for test results, currently provided by the Leave Support Scheme (LSS) and the Short Term Absence Payment, will also remain available under all levels of the traffic light system.
  • Cabinet has also agreed to change the rules so recently acquired businesses can access the RSP
  • Before the end of 2021 there will be confirmation of what support will be available in the event of any further lockdowns.

Activate Tāmaki Makaurau
In late October, the Government announced a $60 million support package for Auckland businesses affected by ongoing COVID-19 Alert Level changes.

Activate Tāmaki Makaurau was set up to connect existing Auckland businesses, including screen businesses and contractors, with that support, to navigate the current environment and build a more resilient future. 

Access Activate Tāmaki Makaurau HERE

COVID-19 Business Helpline
A free COVID-19 business helpline service is available for all New Zealand businesses (including sole traders) to get support and advice on:

  • Government financial support, for example Wage Subsidy Scheme and Resurgence Support Payment
  • what different Alert Levels mean for your business
  • business continuity
  • finding free or subsidised expert help, for example a business mentor or advisor.

To find out more call 0800 500 362 for North Island, or 0800 50 50 96 for South Island.


TRAVEL FROM AUCKLAND & DOMESTICALLY
A reminder that:

  • Travel across the Auckland boundary continues to be restricted until 11:59PM, 14 December 2021.
  • From 15 December 2021 and 17 January 2022, you can travel out of or into Auckland for any reason. You must follow some restrictions: 
    • You must be fully vaccinated and have your My Vaccine Pass with you,
    • OR,you must carry evidence of a negative COVID-19 test received within 72 hours before crossing the boundary.
  • This requirement will remain until 17 January 2022 (during the core summer period)
  • Otherwise, there are no new restrictions on travel between regions within New Zealand


Prime Minister Ardern stated that there are key actions for everyone:

You can watch today's full announcement HERE

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