New Zealand: COVID-19 Economic Package updated

Submitted by cambrosio on
Body

treasury.govt.nz (23.03.2020)

On 23 March, the Minister announced significant further support for the economy, workers and businesses, including removal of the cap on the Government’s wage subsidy scheme which will inject a further $4 billion into the economy over the next eleven weeks. Among other measures the economic response package includes: $2.8 billion income support package for our most vulnerable, including a permanent $25 per week benefit increase and a doubling of the Winter Energy Payment for 2020.

measures summary

Further support for the economy, workers and businesses, including removal of the cap on the Government’s wage subsidy scheme which will inject a further $4 billion into the economy over the next eleven weeks. Among other measures the economic response package includes: $2.8 billion income support package for the most vulnerable, including a permanent $25 per week benefit increase and a doubling of the Winter Energy Payment for 2020.

Measure date
Regions / Country
Global challenges
Document Type
Description/integral text (Internal-not for publishing)

On 17 March, Finance Minister Grant Robertson outlined a $12.1 billion package to support New Zealanders, their jobs and businesses from the impact of COVID-19. 

On 23 March, the Minister announced significant further support for the economy, workers and businesses, including removal of the cap on the Government’s wage subsidy scheme which will inject a further $4 billion into the economy over the next eleven weeks.

For details of the 23 March announcement, visit the Beehive website.

The economic response package includes:

  • Initial $500 million boost for health (see link to the Minister of Health's media release below)
  • $5.1 billion in wage subsidies for affected businesses in all sectors and regions
  • $126 million in COVID-19 leave and self-isolation support
  • $2.8 billion income support package for our most vulnerable, including a permanent $25 per week benefit increase and a doubling of the Winter Energy Payment for 2020
  • $100 million redeployment package
  • $2.8 billion in business tax changes to free up cashflow, including a provisional tax threshold lift, the reinstatement of building depreciation and writing off interest on the late payment of tax
  • $600 million initial aviation support package