The Government is providing a $5 million package of emergency support to help businesses significantly affected by the recent flooding in Auckland.
The fund includes: $3m for flood recovery payments, $1m for mental wellbeing through the business-led First Step programme, and $1m for small business advice.
“The floods were devastating for many businesses in the Auckland region,” says Grant Robertson.
“The flooding was sudden and could not be reasonably prepared for so it is expected that it will take a long time for many businesses to recover and start operating again.
“We developed this package of support through discussions with Auckland business leaders so it reflects the needs they identified.
“The money will be delivered through the Auckland Business Chamber, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Whāriki (Auckland’s Māori Business Network) and the Pacific Business Trust.
“We will consider further support if required,” he says.
Inland Revenue will also provide support for affected businesses.
“If taxpayers affected by the flooding and other weather-related damage contact IRD, it can waive penalties for late payments or late filing of returns,” says David Parker.
“It can waive interest on late payments by taxpayers in Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato.”
Hospitality NZ says the support package is a welcome start that followed strong advocacy.
“No one has any idea what the true and final cost to business of this event will be, but this package is a good start to getting businesses across Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato back on their feet,” says Chief Executive Julie White.
“Hospitality NZ, as the voice for hospitality and accommodation, is part of the Auckland Business Leaders Roundtable that has been working with the Government and advocating for targeted support for those businesses impacted by the weather events and flooding.
“We also welcome Inland Revenue’s decision to waive penalties for late payments or late filings of returns for businesses.
“This event has hit many businesses at a time they were still recovering from the shocks of recent years, so they need all the help they can get as quickly as we can get it to them,” says White.
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