Business Tools & Resources
ChristchurchNZ is committed to supporting Canterbury based businesses throughout this period.
For up to date information on support for businesses visit the Government’s COVID-19 website.
Our Business Growth team can provide tailored advice to businesses regarding the support and advice available.
Below we've captured tools and resources that will assist businesses during this time.
Applying for the Government Wage Subsidy for COVID-19
The August 2021 Wage Subsidy is now available.
Applying for the Government Resurgence Support Payment for COVID-19
The August 2021 Resurgence Support Payment is now available through IRD.
If you need further information about any government related support or advice see the Government's COVID-19 website.
COVID-19 Business Helpline
If you need any business-related advice or support The Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Helpline is available for all businesses in the South Island, phone: 0800 50 50 96.
Provides help with:
- Workplace operations at changing alert levels
- Advice on how to access Government financial support, such as the Wage Subsidy Scheme, Resurgence Support Payment, Short-Term Absence Payment, and Leave Support Scheme
- Understanding your employer obligations for staff during alert levels
- Advice on the vaccination rollout and your workers
- Advice to support you through human resource challenges, including changes to your staffing profile, employee wellness and helping you meet your Health and Safety obligations
- Information around Government business support including digital enablement, employee support and funded or subsidised business advisory support
- General business advice to support business continuity.
Webinars
Webinars and Online Courses
There are a range of free digital resources and webinars available with advice tailored to the Canterbury region, including:
Find the MBIE webinars and events that are best fit for your business.
Previously Recorded ChristchurchNZ Webinars
ChristchurchNZ hosted a webinar on 20 April 2020 about the COVID-19 visitor economy recovery plan and the support services available to tourism businesses. View recording of the webinar and download the presentations from ChristchurchNZ here and Prof. D Simmons here.
Please also view the Mackenzie COVID-19 visitor economy recovery plan webinar here and presentation here from 21 April 2020.
The ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau held a webinar for business partners on 1 May 2020 covering the action plan and support going forward for business in the COVID-19 environment. View a recording of the webinar and download the presentation.
Digital Enablement
Digital Boost is a free government See here with over 300 short “how to” videos on getting your company digital ready.
Legal Advice
Key Legal Issues for Charities
Find out what key legal issues charities in NZ should be focused on amidst these unprecedented times.
COVID-19: Key Legal Issues for Business
Key things businesses in NZ should be focused on during this time.
Download the Parry Field Lawyers Covid-19 Legal Handbook.
Leases and COVID-19: How will this impact?
Read how the Deed of Lease, clause 27.5 “No Access in Emergency” might apply.
Buying or Selling a House?
Information for if you are buying or selling a house in Alert Level 4.
Commercial Leases
A video (below) explaining about COVID-19 and commercial leases.
Force Majeure
A video (below) explaining about Force Majeure in contracts and what those clauses are used for (to suspend performance of obligations). Read more about Force Majeure
Governance
Charity sector response to COVID-19
A video (below) recorded Friday 27 March 2020 covering off the charity sector response to COVID-19
What Companies and Directors should be doing to respond
Clarification on Government Assistance
Informative websites
- BDO FAQ
- Guidelines on the definition of essential services . If you are unsure if your business is considered essential, email: essential@mbie.govt.nz or call 0800 22 66 57 (9am to 5pm).
More Resources
We'll be adding more resources to this page as the COVID-19 situation continues. Please re-visit this page for more information.