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Fast-tracking resource consents for critical infrastructure and development projects is a pragmatic and welcome government response to assisting the Covid 19 recovery process says Resource Reform NZ- (RRNZ), a coalition of business and environmental interests. The Minister for the Environment David Parker has today announced fast-track amendments to the Resource Management Act to better enable economic recovery from Covid-19. The temporary amendments to the Act will be made in June. RRNZ supports key elements in the proposed amendment bill which include rapid approvals for selected public and private sector projects and a commitment to retain environmental bottom lines. Often lengthy public consultation processes will also be put on temporary hold while the amendments place Central Government requirements for the economic rebuild as a main driver for consents. RRNZ says the Minister’s announcement recognises the need to remove some of the structural issues in the RMA, that the Group identified in its work programme since 2016, which have proved incompatible to the need to provide a faster infrastructure response to accommodate previous rapid growth. “They are the same issues that would prevent a rapid start to the Government’s programme to accelerate shovel-ready and other infrastructure projects as it seeks to ramp up activity and employment in the infrastructure sector post Covid 19,” the RRNZ Group says. Under the proposed amendments selected public or private projects will go through a bespoke approvals process with the Minister acting as gatekeeper. The RRNZ group says it looks forward to seeing the criteria he must apply as these will be critical to ensure projects are transformational, provide the necessary high levels of employment and meet longer term strategies and goals for infrastructure provision in New Zealand – three waters projects are one example. The commitment to retain environmental bottom lines is also critical as many […]

The Government’s announcement today of interest free loans for a year to small businesses impacted by Covid-19, together with the tax reforms providing more than $3 billion in tax relief will provide much needed support for small business, which has been a focus for advocacy over the last few weeks, says Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Leeann Watson. The Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme will provide assistance of up to $100,000 to firms employing 50 or fewer full time equivalent employees. The scheme will provide $10,000 to every firm and in addition $1800 per equivalent full time employee. Loans will be interest free if they are paid back within a year. The interest rate will be three per cent for a maximum term of five years. Repayments are not required for the first two years. “These announcements will provide welcome relief to many businesses across all sectors. It shows that central Government is receptive to the needs of businesses during this incredibly challenging time, with tax and cashflow both key concerns for businesses. “Crucially, the urgency in which these packages have been developed and passed through Parliament is important to ensure businesses are supported when they really need it. “We know that the cost of compliance is significant for small business and in addition to covering their existing overheads they now face increased costs of meeting strict health and safety requirements under COVID-19. “Cashflow has always been a pain point for businesses, particularly small businesses, which has been compressed by the significant reduction in trade for most businesses during lockdown and during Alert Level 3. By increasing their access to cash, the Government is greatly increasing their ability to not only survive but thrive. “We applaud the Government for demonstrating bold, decisive leadership to support businesses during this […]

The EMA says the economy needs a return to Alert Level 2 on May 12 to get business back to work and kick-start the country’s economic engine. Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says what this week at Alert Level 3 has shown is that the vast majority of businesses are taking a responsible approach to health and safety practices in the workplace and we can expect that to continue under Level 2. “Unless there’s a compelling reason not to, the Government should announce on May 11 that we are moving immediately from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2,” says Mr O’Riley. He says that any extra time at Alert Level 3 will sink a number of businesses that have only just been holding on, with further detrimental flow-on effects for their people and the economy. “We’ve already seen a number of businesses going to the wall and a significant jump in the numbers of unemployed – we know that more businesses are certain to fold.” “With no sign yet of any cashflow assistance package from the government we’ll see many more SMEs and some larger companies make the tough decision to close if there is a further extension of Alert Level 3 restrictions, says Mr O’Riley. “The health arguments have rightly and understandably held sway in beating back this virus and businesses have complied well with Levels 4 and 3. It’s now time to trust them to continue work within Level 2 guidelines, allowing the bulk of the economy to get back underway while maintaining the required vigilance under the health guidelines.” “But it’s time for business to start recovering its health.” A quick online survey of EMA members showed that only eight per cent of those who took part did not have a health and safety plan in place […]