Updated 4 March 2020
This is a special article to bring together government information relating to coronavirus, how it may affect your business and how you can stay up to date as new information becomes available.
Whether you’re an employer with concerns about your staff and workplace, an exporter with overseas customers, or you are planning to travel abroad, you may be affected by COVID-19 and the global efforts to contain it. In this article, we’ve brought together the key sources of information from across government to help you stay informed. This page will be updated as more information is available.
Exporters and importers
If you are an exporter or importer, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) has set up a page on their website which brings together information from NZTE, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Customs. Information on the page is reviewed daily. It also includes contact details for the relevant agencies for you to get in touch with depending on your situation.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) – Information for exporters — New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
NZTE has also opened up access to their China team and a panel of external experts, if you’re an exporter with a specific concern you’d like to discuss. If you are an NZTE customer, contact your New Zealand Customer Manager. If you are not already working with NZTE, you can call 0800 555 888.
Tax
If you are having difficulties or concerns about meeting your normal tax obligations due to the effects of COVID-19, Inland Revenue has a range of ways to help depending on your circumstances.
Tax relief – Coronavirus COVID-19 — Inland Revenue
Travel
There are travel restrictions in place for some foreign travellers. Immigration New Zealand has information for travellers, visa holders (including students), cruise ships and maritime vessels.
Coronavirus update: INZ’s response — Immigration New Zealand
If you’re a New Zealander living and traveling abroad, SafeTravel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has information to assist.
Novel coronavirus, China (Covid-19) — SafeTravel (MFAT)
If your travel plans are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Consumer Protection has guidance about cancelled or delayed flights and travel bookings.
Coronavirus – Are your travel plans affected? — Consumer Protection
If you run a travel business, Tourism New Zealand has information available.
Coronavirus – Information for industry — Tourism New Zealand
Employers
If you have employees, Employment New Zealand has specific guidance and FAQs in response to COVID-19 including how to handle self-isolation and sick leave.
- Workplace response to coronavirus — Employment New Zealand
- Coronavirus questions and answers [PDF 238KB] — Employment New Zealand
If you have questions about handling information about an employee that isn’t well, including if there is a serious threat to someone’s safety, wellbeing or health, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner has guidance to help.
- Is it okay to tell other employees that a colleague is sick? — The Office of the Privacy Commissioner
- When can I use the serious threat exception? — The Office of the Privacy Commissioner
If you’re considering reducing people’s hours or redundancies due to COVID-19, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has support and advice for you and your staff.
Coronavirus: Redundancy information for employers [PDF 114KB] — Work and Income
Health and safety
If you have health concerns, information and advice about COVID-19 is available from the Ministry of Health.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) — Ministry of Health
Healthline has a free dedicated phone number for health advice and information about COVID-19, including registering self-isolation. You can call 0800 358 5453, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Access to interpreters is also available. For international SIMS, call +64 9 358 5453.
WorkSafe New Zealand has information about the business and worker requirement for keeping people safe and well in the workplace, as well as guidance about personal protective equipment (PPE).
Workplace preparedness for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) — WorkSafe New Zealand
Landlords and tenants
If you’re a landlord or tenant of a rental property affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Tenancy Services has information about your rights and responsibilities. They also have guidance and next steps if you are experiencing discrimination.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what landlords and tenants need to know — Tenancy Services
Education
If you are a childcare centre, work in education or are the parent, caregiver and whānau of learners, guidance is available from the Ministry of Education.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) — Ministry of Education
All of Government
For further government information about COVID-19 including health advice and travel restrictions, check out the Govt.nz website.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) — Govt.nz
Government Partners
This article is in association with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Customs, Inland Revenue, Immigration New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Consumer Protection, Tourism New Zealand, Employment New Zealand, Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, WorkSafe New Zealand, Tenancy Services, Ministry of Education, and Department of Internal Affairs.
A business continuity plan (BCP) can help prepare you and your business for disruptions and emergencies.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of your business, you should have a business continuity plan (BCP) for events like COVID-19. A BCP can help your business prepare for many kinds of emergencies, such as a global pandemic, an act of terrorism, a cyberattack, or a natural disaster like a fire, flood or earthquake.
Source: Business. Govt. NZ
