The government has announced a five million dollar support package for businesses that have been impacted by the recent flooding in the Auckland region.
Hospitality NZ says that this is a welcome start, followed by 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, Coromandel and Waikato back on their feet", said Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, Julie White.
"That advocacy included meeting with Prime Minister Hon Chris Hipkins and Minister for Small Business Ginny Anderson. We're delighted it has paid off and they have come to the party."
The found allocates three million dollars for flood recovery payments, one million dollars for mental wellbeing through the business-led First Step programme and one million dollars for small business advice.
Auckland Business Chamber, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Whāriki and the Pacific Business Trust will be delivering the funds to businesses.
"Details on how business can apply for funds will be made available soon. We will be strongly advocating to quickly get the money out the door to those who need it," commented White.
"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 where 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."
