We are facing unprecedented circumstances; COVID-19 is challenging all of us and changing our way of living and working. At this time, it is important we prioritise the care we show for each other and we come together as a community. The information shared below, regarding the Wage Subsidy Scheme and COVID-19 Leave and Self-Isolation Support, is designed to support you as we navigate through this period of uncertainty.

Click here to apply for PBT Support Services

Learn more on the Wage Subsidy Scheme and COVID-19 Leave and Self-Isolation Support here:

Am I eligible?

What support can I apply for?

What is Wage Subsidy?

What is Leave Payment Scheme?

What is Business Adviser Workshop? Can you help me to apply for Wage Subsidy or Leave Payment Scheme?

What if I need more information?

Am I eligible?

You can find more information about eligibility and information required to apply here.

If you are eligible for either of the schemes, we strongly encourage you to consider applying today: If you are an employer, apply here.

If you are self-employed / a contractor, apply here.

What support can I apply for?

On 17 March the Government announced a NZ$12.1 billion Economic Response Package. This stimulus includes two immediately accessible subsidies for employers, contractors, sole traders or the self-employed – the Wage Subsidy and Payment Scheme. The Wage Subsidy is a one-off lump sum payment to support businesses in keeping people employed for the next 12 weeks. The Leave Payment Scheme provides support for employees that are required to self-isolate in accordance with Ministry of Health guidance.

What is Wage Subsidy?

The purpose of the Wage Subsidy is to support employers who have experienced a minimum 30% decline in actual or predicted revenue to keep employees on the payroll during this difficult period.

• The Wage Subsidy is calculated with reference to employees and spans a 12 week period.

• The subsidy is calculated as $585.80 per employee working more than 20 hours per week and $350.00 per employee working less than 20 hours per week.

The subsidy will be paid as a lump sum covering a 12 week period.

There was previously a cap of $150,000 per business, but the Government has announced this cap has been removed.

What is Leave Payment Scheme? The purpose of the Leave Payment Scheme is to provide payments (via employers) to employees who are required to self-isolate – these payments are required to be passed on in full to the relevant employees (less employment taxes and other deductions).

The leave payments are $585.80 to a person working 20 hours or more per week and $350.00 to a person working less than 20 hours per week.

What is Business Advisor Workshop?

Business Advisor Workshops are tailored workshops (up to half-day virtual sessions*) for organisations that have been impacted by COVID-19. It’s designed for Pasifika organisations requiring additional business advisory support on the most impacted areas of a business (e.g. Finance, Supply Chain, Talent/People etc.).

We have business advisors (from Deloitte and other Pacific Business Trust service providers**) ready to help you work out a response plan for your organisation – for both your immediate needs and medium-long term plans.

* Please note, in accordance with Ministry of Health precautions and advice, all services will be provided virtually – either over the telephone or via video conference. Please be reassured that our people have received training on how to facilitate effective conversations and workshops virtually and whilst this does not replace in-person contact, we are confident that we will be able to provide you high quality support and advice. ** For Pasifika organisations requiring additional business advisory support, we have business advisors (from Deloitte and other Pacific Business Trust service providers) ready to help you work out a response plan for your organisation – for both your immediate needs and medium-long term plans.

All of these services are FREE and available for any Pasifika organisation based in New Zealand. Depending on your organisational needs, you may be able to access the Business Advisor Workshop.

Can you help me to apply for Wage Subsidy or Leave Payment Scheme?

Yes. We are ready to help now if you need support to apply for a subsidy, collect information for an application or confirm your eligibility.

We will provide tailored support to prepare for the application for the Wage Subsidy or Leave Payment Scheme. This includes:

• helping you to check your eligibility

• helping you to collect all necessary records for your application

What if I need more information?

For more information, plase contact:

Beatrice Faumuina, PBT Strategic Relationship Manager email: Beatrice.faumuina@pacificbusiness.co.nz mobile: 021 192 2551

John Faitala, PBT Programme Manager email: John.faitala@pacificbusiness.co.nz mobile: 021 543 069

Lisa Tai, Deloitte Pasifika Lead & Risk Associate Director email: Lisatai@deloitte.co.nz mobile: 021 152 5174

Marie Collins, MSD Labour Market Advisor email: Marie.collins023@msd.govt.nz

Abba Fidow, MPP Chief Advisor email: Abba.fidow@mpp.govt.nz mobile: 021 636 619