Immigration NZ | Samoan Quota (SQ) and Pacific Access Category (PAC) resident visas will reopen in October.
Following the New Zealand borders reopening, the Government has announced the Samoan Quota will open for registrations from 3 October and will close on 2 November and the Pacific Access Category will open for registrations from 5 October and will close on 4 November. Read more.
MSD Mana in Mahi
MSD Mana in Mahi new online form for Business Owners from September 19th. If you’re an Employer who is keen to help someone who needs additional support to kickstart a long-term career, MSD can help with funding and wrap-around on-the-job support with the Mana in Mahi programme. For more information about Mana in Mahi: Mana in Mahi – Strength in Work – Work and Income. To submit an online enquiry: Mana in Mahi Job Seeker Enquiry (workandincome.govt.nz)
Te Heke Mai – free on line coaching programme
Te Heke Mai is a free on line coaching programme and app presented by MyCare in partnership with Ministry of Social Development. The app offers wrap around support to help lift the load of pastoral care and onboarding for employers and offers coaching for staff, encourages open communication, and facilitates meaningful working relationships. It gives participants the tools to set goals, and keep track of personal and professional progress, helping to maintain motivation and set the right path toward success. To join, head to Te Heke Mai – Browse the Te Heke Mai Journeys on the home page of the website that offer targeted support with Training, Job Seeking, Employment/In Work Support and Wellbeing. Read more.
One-off National Public Holiday
Most COVID-19 rules have now ended
New Zealand’s COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) ended at 11.59pm on Monday 12 September. With case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19, public health experts say it is safe to remove most COVID-19 rules and end border restrictions. Read more.
Immigration NZ | Changes to Post Study Work Visa’s
If you are looking to hire someone on a Post Study Work Visa, please note that new requirements come into effect from 7 September. The changes apply to anyone who has applied for a student visa after 11 May 2022. Previously, people holding a Post Study Work Visa were able to work in any role, for any employer, anywhere in New Zealand. Under the new settings, their visa conditions depend on the qualification they have gained in New Zealand. Read more.
Mandatory CV-19 Vaccinations Update.
All government vaccine mandates have been lifted and from 26 September healthcare workers are no longer required to be vaccinated. Check it out.
Are you ready to transform your online presence?
Digital Boost’s new website diagnostic tool helps business owners like you to better understand your online presence. Developed by MBIE, it is safe, fast and completely free. Check it out here.
Mangamuka Gorge long-term closure expected: detrimental affect on local business
Kaitaia residents may be taking the long way round for months after torrential rain badly damaged the main route into town; State Highway One through the Mangamuka Gorge. The impact on local business is expected to be significant. Read more.
Guide: Cash Flow Forecasting Tool
Forecasting your cash flow helps you understand your business health. This tool will help you describe your financial position, explore your cash flow forecast, and understand your business health. Check it out.
Mental health and well-being in the workplace and why it’s important.
Providing your team with a safe and healthy workplace is an important part of running a business. If employees feel their wellbeing is being looked after at work, they are usually more productive, healthier, and less stressed. Read more.
Your guide to staff holidays and leave.
There are different rules for different types of leave. Understanding your obligations as an employer makes it easier to work out leave entitlements and approve leave applications — leading to happier, more productive employees. Read more.
Crime prevention support for small businesses
Take a look at Retail NZ‘s webinar with NZ Police on ways you can prevent crime as a small business. This webinar is aimed to support you and your team to be safe, and have the tools required. Watch the recording here. More resources can be found on the Retail Crime Hub.
Free Trade Deal make exporting easier
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK) early in 2022 makes it easier and cheaper for Kiwi businesses to export to the UK. It also provides opportunities for businesses large and small to grow, invest and diversify. Read more.
Protecting your staff from winter illness
To protect your staff from the spread of respiratory infections this winter, it is important that you follow these infection prevention measures and that you support your staff to do the same. Read more.
Introducing Live and Work New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand’s New Zealand Now website has helped attract and support the settlement of thousands of migrant workers, students, and investors for over a decade.
Now that the border has fully reopened, we have relaunched New Zealand Now as Live and Work New Zealand to better reflect it as an official Immigration New Zealand website. Check it out.
Need to employ migrants? Get accredited now.
Applications are now open for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The AEWV is a new temporary work visa that replaces six temporary work visas, including the Essential Skills Work Visa and Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa. The AEWV is designed to ensure New Zealanders are first in line for jobs. Where genuine skills shortages exist, accredited employers can hire skilled migrant workers. Read more.
Changes to the Fair Trading Act
The Fair Trading Amendment Act 2021 places new obligations on businesses and provides new protections for consumers and small businesses.
There are three significant new protections to address unfair practices:
- unfair contract terms provisions are extended to cover standard form small trade contracts
- unconscionable conduct in trade is prohibited
- people will be able to direct uninvited direct sellers to leave or not enter their residential property.
Government agencies ready to receive e-Invoices
Central Government agencies were tasked to be eInvoicing ‘receive’ capable this year and wider government are also encouraged to adopt the functionality. 17 government agencies are ready now and the remainder are implementing their functionality over the next 12 months. Read more.
Is your marketing strategy up to scratch?
Investing in your marketing can help you:
- promote your business effectively
- understand your customers and meet their needs
- send the right messages about your products and services.
Our quick self-assessment tool will help you reflect on your current marketing and will give you personalised tips on how to continue building your skills. Check out this tool and other resources to help you scale up your marketing.
How to reduce your waste and pollution
The Circular Economy Directory (CED) connects you to businesses that can help reduce the waste and pollution caused by the production of your goods and services. If you’re considering how to make your business more sustainable, click here to get started.
Age diverse workplaces
Older workers in your team bring experience, perspective, and knowledge to the table. What practical measures can you put in place to recruit and retain them? We’ve put together a toolkit for making the workplace more attractive to older workers. Click to see the mature workers toolkit.
How to reduce your business risks
Reduce your overall business risk when customers can’t pay what they owe you by registering details of the customer’s debt on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). Register your interests here.
Government expands free access to RAT test kits
The government is expanding access to free rapid antigen tests (RAT) kits. This is in response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. It’s a good opportunity to encourage your staff to request and collect a supply of test kits. Read more.
Webinar from Tourism Industry Aotearoa: ‘Growing back stronger: Opportunity and prosperity’
Learn more about how tourism operators can rebuild financial resilience as visitor numbers pick up. Presented by Westpac NZ‘s John Machell, Paul Clark and Tracey Ovens, as well as BDO’s Richie O’Meara. Watch the webinar here.
New Carbon Emissions calculator for business (business.govt.nz)
Learn how to measure and reduce your carbon emissions. In this free webinar, we’ll introduce the new carbon emissions calculator which will be available on the Climate Action Toolbox from 29 June. The calculator is a new feature which, together with the existing features of the Toolbox, makes it easy for smaller businesses to measure and reduce their emissions. Register here.
Two steps to make your business more cyber secure
Keeping your busines secure online can feel overwhelming – especially if your expertise isn’t in tech. The good news is that implementing just two easy steps can go a long way towards protecting your business accounts from cyber security risks. Read more.
Changes to the Healthy Homes standards
Changes to the healthy homes standards came into force on 12 May 2022. This includes changes to the heating, ventilation, and moisture ingress and drainage standards. These changes apply to properties with a healthy homes compliance deadline on or after 12 May 2022. If your rental property already meets the existing standards, you will not need to do any extra work to comply with the changes. Read more.
ACC News – How ACC supports businesses
ACC provides comprehensive, no-fault personal cover for everyone in New Zealand, including visitors, if they’re injured in an accident.
Workplaces that are healthy and safe are more productive, save money, and improve the quality of life of our communities. ACC is committed to helping businesses improve their health and safety performance and prevent injuries in the workplace, as well as providing support employees if they are injured, including help with their recovery and getting back to work and everyday life. Read more.
Funding initiative for Pasifika Small Businesses
A new funding initiative launched by the Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio. The initiative is directed toward Pasifika small business owners outside of Auckland with grants of up to $100,000. This funding will provide employment opportunities, stimulate growth, increase productivity, and a safety net for Pacific businesses impacted by COVID-19. Read more.
Shut happens – Disruption and adversity are just harsh facts of life for business (resorgs.co.nz)
This short guide will take you through steps that help you with both. Each area will have a what, a how, and a why, as well as links to further resources or help at the end of the guide. It’s not hard. There are simple, practical easy things that will get you well on the way to surviving in a crisis and potentially thriving in the aftermath. Read full guide here.
How to reduce your tax bill
To help reduce your tax bill, you can offset many of your business expenses against your business income. You’ll need to keep good records and hold on to your receipts. Read more.
How to protect your business from being held to ransom
Ransomware attacks can cause huge disruptions to your business, including loss of income, customer trust and resources. See the simple steps you can take to protect your business from a ransomware attack and how to react if you’re targeted. Read more.
Investment property: Law changes and tips
Recent tax changes will impact residential property investors. We talk to some experts for tips on how to make the most of your investment properties. Read more
Getting paid: Invoicing tips for better cash flow
Getting paid on time can be a real challenge for small businesses. Check out these tips for getting paid sooner. Read more.
Take climate action with free toolbox
Reducing your emissions can save your business money, improve your brand as well as help avoid global climate catastrophe – this easy-to-use new toolbox shows you how. Read more.
Flexi-wage support to hire and re-skill employees
The Flexi-wage employment programme can help businesses pay and support employees while they gain skills for a job. Read more.
Discounted tax for your first year in business
If you’re new to business, you may be eligible for a discount for paying your income tax early. This applies to sole traders, contractors and partnerships.
Read more.
Advice for sole traders struggling with debt (Business NZ)
Being in debt can be a normal part of being in business. But it’s important to know how much debt is too much for you. Read more.
