COVID-19 advice for organisations
Created: March 9, 2020 at 3:37 PM | Updated: July 20, 2021 | By NZ Navigator Trust
Government COVID-19 website
The New Zealand Government COVID-19 website gathers everything you need to know into one place, including the latest updates.
All of New Zealand is at Alert Level 1.
Face coverings are mandatory on public transport throughout New Zealand at all alert levels.
Wearing face coverings will help keep you and others safe. Read more about face coverings here.
The government COVID-19 website has lots of resources for organisations and individuals:
- Find the latest financial support information here.
- You can find useful posters for your workplace or community here.
- There is a toolkit for businesses and organisations here.
- Find out about misinformation and scams here.
- Access material to share on social media here.
- and get the latest updates here.
Ministry of Health
Visit the Ministry of Health website here to get current health advice about COVID-19.
Check the MOH website for information about:
- COVID-19 vaccine planning
- Current case statistics
- Contract tracing information
- Where to get a COVID-19 test
- Health advice targeted at various groups:
- the public
- health professionals
- and groups like gatherings etc
- Accessible information:
- Information resources in large print and audio formats
- Information resources in NZ sign language
- and Easy Read information.
- Information for specific audiences:
- Advice for higher risk people
- Advice for disabled people
- General cleaning and disinfection advice etc
COVID-19 vaccine information
New Zealand's COVID-19 vaccine programme is now underway - get the latest information on New Zealand's vaccine programme here.
There are four different groups that determine the vaccine order - the plan is designed to first protect people who are at greater risk. You can use a tool and answer a few brief questions to find out which group you are in.
The COVID-19 vaccines are free of charge and they are not mandatory for the New Zealand public.
Vaccinations and your staff
COVID-19 has created many challenges and, with the vaccine programme underway your organisation needs to be clear about your role as an employer around COVID-19 vaccinations.
Get informed and start the conversation with your workers early - read the advice from business.govt.nz here.
Some organisations may be able to offer workplace COVID-19 vaccinations. The Ministry of Health will mostly focus on large organisations but there are some circumstances where small organisations might be eligible eg, if you have Māori, Pasifika or rural workforces. Read more about this here.
NZ COVID Tracer app
The NZ COVID Tracer app is the official government contact tracing app. The app makes it easier to identify people who have come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
More information about the app, including how personal information is used, is available here on the Ministry of Health website.
COVID-19 QR code poster
All businesses are required to display government generated QR code posters at all premises. You can generate a QR code poster for your premises - read more here.
Organisations must display their QR code poster in all levels, including Level 1.
COVID-19 Short-term Absence Payment
A Short-Term Absence Payment is available at all Alert Levels for businesses to cover eligible workers who:
- cannot work from home and
- need to stay at home for a few days while awaiting a COVID-19 test result.
There's a one-off payment of $350 for each eligible worker.
Parents or caregivers who need to miss work to support their dependents who are staying at home awaiting a test result will also be eligible. Read more about this payment here.
COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme
You can apply for the Leave Support Scheme if you have staff who can’t work because of COVID-19. This scheme changed in September 2020 - read about who is eligible, how to apply and more here.
Financial support around level changes in Wellington
The June alert level increase in Wellington triggered the Government’s COVID resurgence support payment (RSP).
This is a payment to help support organisations that face a reduction in revenue due to an alert level increase.
Applications are now open and close at 11.59pm on 29 July 2021.
You can get more information here.
Support payments that are no longer available
Looking for another financial support scheme? A number of the Government's COVID-19 support programmes are now closed. You can get more information here.
Community Capability and Resilience Fund
The MSD-managed Community Capability and Resilence (CCRF) fund is available to community groups for initiatives that support the rebuild and recovery from COVID-19.
The $36 million fund is available for initiatives that support the rebuild and recovery from COVID-19. The fund is available from 1 August 2020 to support communities over the next two years and the first round closed in November 2020. There are three funding rounds per year - read more about the fund here.
Community Wellbeing Fund
The Lottery COVID-19 Community Wellbeing Fund was established to support hapū, iwi and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund gives one-off grants for community or social initiatives that increase the strength and resilience of communities that are responding to the impacts of COVID-19.
The latest round of the fund closed recently but check for up-to-date information here. Check to see if you are eligible for this fund here.
PPE guidance for NGO community workers
Te Pou have a resource on the use of personal protection equipment by people in NGO organisations who support people in their homes. Download the resource here.
Working in essential jobs with physical or close contact
Recommendations for organisations with people doing essential jobs that may require physical or close contact - see guidance on wearing protective equipment.
Providing support by phone or video
This Te Pou resource is aimed at workers in NGO organisations who are moving to phone or video support with someone they are working with. Download the resource here for guidance on preparation and good practice advice.
Coronavirus and the Law
Community Law has answered the most frequently asked questions relating to the NZ Government's COVID-19 law changes. Read more here.
COVID-19 Legal Handbook
Parry Field lawyers have released a free handbook on key legal issues that New Zealanders are facing as a result of COVID-19. Topics include financial assistance and paying staff; business and governance; signing documents; contractual issues and obligations; and charities. Download the handbook here.
Looking After Mental Health and Wellbeing around COVID-19
The Mental Health Foundation have tips and information on their website to help individuals and organisations look after our wellbeing, and the wellbeing of our whānau and community.
Blueprint for Learning has created a framework, based on the Te Whare Tapa Whā model, for working well from home. This framework looks at the four dimensions of wellbeing.
All Right? has become a powerful champion for wellbeing in Canterbury following the earthquakes and have launched a new mental health kit to help New Zealanders get on top of COVID-19 - Getting through together. The toolkit includes Wellbeing on the frontline - wellbeing tips for both managers and staff working through the pandemic) and Sparklers (a wellbeing toolkit with activities for children).
Governance in a crisis
JBWere has published a guide that has seven areas of focus for board leadership to consider during times of crisis.
Charities Services have produced a one page summary of the JBWere report here [PDF, 77 KB].
IRD responding to COVID-19
Inland Revenue is focused on ensuring people get their entitlements, including COVID-19 relief - find out more here.
Information for registered charities
Charities Services have information on COVID-19 for registered charities. You'll find answers to a wide range of questions that charities may be dealing with including:
- does the government's economic support package extend to registered charities?
- what if you need to cancel or postpone your AGM?
- what can you do to support staff and volunteers during this time?
- what can charities do to help?
MBIE COVID-19 Information for Businesses
Guidance about workplace activities at different alert levels is available on the MBIE website. This guidance addresses some frequently asked questions as well as examples of what each alert level might look like for different kinds of businesses. Read more here.
To help you stay up to date with developments, MBIE has collated some resources for businesses here. This includes everything from health and travel guidance, to how to create a business continuity plan.