HNZ – Doubled up COVID business payments better late than never
But for some it won’t be enough.
Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ) has thanked the New Zealand Government’s decision to double resurgence payments for businesses hit hard by current COVID health rules.
In a statement HNZ CE, Julie White said while the desperately needed payments were better late than never, they represented some relief for many in the hospitality sector and would help offset driving many businesses towards bankruptcy.
But for some, she said, it won’t be enough.
“It’s great to see the combined efforts of our sector over the past few weeks have finally convinced the government we need and deserve financial support, and certainty about when and how our businesses can start operating profitably,” Ms White said.
“Many, many hospitality and accommodation businesses, most of them family-owned, have failed or been severely damaged over the past 18 months.
“The key now is getting to a 90 percent vaccination rate, which is when all businesses using the vaccine certificate scheme will be able to open under any part of the new traffic light framework.
“We’re happy that the government has heard our demand that it will only happen once legal protections are in place for those who refuse entry to non-vaccinated people and introduce staff mandates.
“We await further detail on support for businesses when Auckland moves into new framework and help that will target most effected businesses.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
