Storms and flooding in Auckland: Information for businesses
As of 3.30pm on Thursday, 9 March, 2023:
The Auckland Chamber have received a strong response to the Back to Work grant, with over 3000 applications submitted. Regrettably, due to the limited availability of funds, they have had to suspend the Back to Work fund. Any applications received after 4pm on Thursday, 9 March 2023, will be added to a waitlist.If they receive additional funding or there are remaining funds available, they will open the fund to those on the waitlist. It's important to note that while they will consider all eligible applications submitted prior to 4pm on Thursday, 9 March 2023, approval is not guaranteed due to the limited availability of funds. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate this process.
We have complied resources available to help your business recover after recent extreme weather events and prepare for the future emergencies:
- Business.govt.nz: What to do before, during and after an emergency
- Find support from your industry – Retail NZ – Restaurant NZ - Hospitality NZ
- How SMEs can keep operating during an emergency
- National Emergency Management Agency - Get your work ready for an emergency
- Business.govt.nz has outlined key steps to get your business prepared for an emergency
- Employment NZ has developed a comprehensive guide on your employment rights and responsibilities during and after a natural disaster or emergency
A Business Support Helpline has been set up by the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) for business owners who have been affected by the severe weather conditions. Access specific advice and information for businesses covering such issues as staff leave, paying employees, insurance and more.
We encourage you to get in touch with them today if you need advice - Call 0800 500 362.
For the latest updates on Auckland’s emergency response, visit the Auckland Emergency Management website.
For the latest information on Auckland Council's response, affected services and facilities, visit Our Auckland.
Please check the Auckland Transport website throughout the day for regular updates on road closures and public transport.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has prepared a guide for businesses affected by the extreme weather events in Tāmaki Makaurau. Here you will find information and advice about insurance claims, finance and banking, looking after your employers , operating safely and managing buildings and landlord responsibilities.
Many banks are offering financial assistance to individual and business customers impacted by the recent extreme weather in Auckland. Available support might include access to temporary overdrafts, payments deferral on your business lending, early access to invested funds or the suspension of principal payments.
Please contact your bank directly
Employment NZ has developed a comprehensive guide on your employment rights and responsibilities during and after a natural disaster or emergency. It covers the issues of leave and pay, health and safety, and building assessments. The guide also offers checklists on what you need to think about to ensure that your staff and your workplace are looked after.
If you or your team are affected by this emergency event, you may be eligible for a Civil Defence Payment from Work and Income.
More information about who is eligible and how to apply can be found on the Work and Income website or by calling 0800 400 100
Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is offering support for taxpayers affected by the recent weather event. If you need help to keep up with your tax obligations, including filing and paying on time (upcoming GST, employer filing and income tax), you can contact IRD by sending them a message in myIR or call them on 0800 473 566.
Sustainability and climate action
Brining together business, government, Māori, academia, funders and investors, and climate innovators to create the solutions required to ensure Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand adapt and thrive in the face of climate change.
Sustainable Business Network
Access free practical tools and resources to get started on your sustainability journey. From strategy to procurement and zero waste, there are plenty of ways to make your business more sustainable.
FutureFit
Take climate action, develop resilience and support your people to reduce their emissions with FutureFit in business. This comprehensive package includes an internal engagement programme and resources to support your people to live more carbon-friendly lifestyles.
Carbon Click
To make a real difference in the fight against climate change, we need to act on our carbon emissions at every level. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or global business – Carbon Click helps make climate action easy for you, your staff and your customers.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa
The New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment aims to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025. Make sure your tourism business is part of the change.
Business.govt.nz
This toolbox brings together a range of tailored information for businesses to reduce carbon emissions. It’s free and simple to use - find out what your business can do for the planet right now.
XLabs - LEARN
Learn how to identify the key areas of emissions, waste, and pollution and how to apply the elements of a circular economy model.
Business strategy and continuity
Business.govt.nz
If you’re working for yourself or starting a business, there are many things you can do now that will safeguard your investments in the future.
Business.govt.nz
Taking time to set the right strategy gives you clear goals for success, and connects your people and activities to those goals. This page will help you demystify strategy by breaking down what it is, why it's important, and how and when to focus on it.
Auckland Emergency Management
This business continuity planning guide is designed to help small to medium businesses or organisations without a plan in place yet. Preparing and planning for a potential emergency will give your business a better chance of recovering quickly.
Be. Lab
With one in four Kiwis living with a disability or access need, businesses have an opportunity to tap into more customers by making simple accessibility improvements to their spaces, products and services. Get started with this free self-assessment tool.
Business.govt.nz
No matter what stage you’re at with your business, networking can be hugely beneficial. From prepping and attending to following up, there are plenty of things to consider so you’re ready to get out and make new contacts.
Business.govt.nz
Forecasting your cash flow helps you understand your business health. Simply describe your financial position and explore your cash flow forecast to understand your business health with this easy to use tool.
Business.govt.nz
From how to read financial statement to a great self-assessment tool that will help shed light on your businesses strengths and the areas to focus on. This page has plenty of practical tools and expert advice to help you master money matters.
1:1 Business support
Auckland Business Chamber
Looking for business direction? Tap into the Auckland Business Chamber business network and get connected with an experienced, motivated and skilled mentor.
Local Boards & Business Mentors NZ
Benefit from the experience of a business mentor who understands the highs and lows of business. Mentors can help small business owners assess and tackle current challenges and build skills for future success.
Marketing
Zeald
SME website designers Zeald are offering free e-commerce websites for small to medium sized businesses for a limited time. First in, first served.
Business.govt.nz
Setting up a new e-commerce business? Growing or expanding your existing business with an online presence? Use the self-assessment tool and the team from business.govt.nz will recommend advice, tools, and tips to help.
See what tools are available from Google to help grow your business. Answer a few questions and they’ll help you find the right Google products for your business.
Digitalboost.co.nz
Digital Boost is a series of free online courses and tools to give your business digital skills. Learn how to turn targeted advertising into sales, get a website that wins customers, use apps to do admin for you, and more.
Hubspot
Learn business skills through quick, practical courses or comprehensive certifications, covering hundreds of topics from social media marketing to SEO.
Māori and Pacific business support
Poutama Trust
This is the COVID-19 support line for Māori businesses, for direct access to specialist advisors who can provide support for business owners and employers during these difficult times. Call 0800 4 POUTAMA (0800 476 882)
Whāriki
Whāriki is the largest Māori business network in New Zealand, bringing together Māori business owners and Māori professionals working amongst some of the most exciting corporates in Aotearoa.
Pacific Business Trust
Pacific businesses can access free support, advice and a network of service providers, with personalised and practical help from a knowledgeable business advisor.
Health, wellbeing and safety
WorkSafe
Stay up to date with the latest guidance and advice from WorkSafe, from current alert level restrictions to operating safely in your industry.
Firststeps.nz
Use the free Workplace Wellbeing Risk Diagnostic Tool to get a snapshot of wellness in your workplace, plus practical recommendations of resources, learnings and tools that can help straight away.
Xero
Good mental health can help you cope with setbacks, take advantage of opportunities and be productive. The Check In is a free small business resource that offers simple actions you can take to introduce wellbeing into the workplace.
Groov
Helping you deal with the most common stressors we experience in the modern connected world today - poor sleep, anxiety and stress. Discover what can help you feel more energised, more productive, and better equipped for whatever the world throws at you today.
Watch and learn
From IT to food and beverage, our Tātaki Auckland Unlimited business team has helped a variety of businesses transform their products and services, break into new markets and export to the world.
Hear from Auckland business experts as they share their top tips for other businesses, covering topics from digital readiness and market validation to diversity and looking after your people.
The Marketing Company have recorded five free in-depth webinars, with a supporting workbook, to arm business owners with the right tools and mindset to productively manage their time.