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Business Plus
COVID-19 Response Update - Suspension of QFT travel with Australia
23 July 2021
Quarantine-free travel from Australia is being suspended from midnight 23 July with a 7 day window for people currently in Australia (except NSW) who ordinarily live in New Zealand.
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Simplifying and streamlining some visas a good start
16 July 2021
The EMA is pleased to see the Government is increasing the duration of the Essential Skills visas and streamlining the application process to smooth the way for employers and their people.
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Top three things about 10-days’ sick leave
2 July 2021
On the 24th of this month everyone will be entitled to 10-days’ sick leave instead of five. And while we might think this is a solution looking for a problem – on average only 4.7 per cent of the five days are used per year – it is something everyone
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Z Energy’s Mike Bennetts on meeting the climate change challenge
1 July 2021
Z Energy’s leadership is very open about the fact that climate change will 100 per cent change the game for a business that was built around selling fossil fuels. It already has.
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Replacement RMA on right track but much work still to be done
29 June 2021
The EMA says the proposed Natural and Built Environments Act is tracking in the right direction but there is still much work to be done in replacing the outdated Resource Management Act (RMA).
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NZ COVID Tracer QR code key to keeping safe
23 June 2021
EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley is urging businesses to continue their vigilance with displaying the NZ COVID Tracer QR code and encouraging people to use it.
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Business Plus
Business needs climate change action to be equitable and achievable
10 June 2021
The EMA says the Climate Change Commission’s final recommendations on the pathway to a net carbon zero economy by 2050 still leave questions unanswered.
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Business Plus
Tough calls on transport to balance budget and get economy moving
4 June 2021
The EMA says the downgrade of the New Zealand Upgrade programme will make moving freight and people around Auckland and Northland more difficult.
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Business Plus
Health and safety at the heart of Lifetime Achievement Award
3 June 2021
The EMA’s Paul Jarvie is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Safeguard New Zealand Health and Safety Awards, for the invaluable contribution he has made in advancing the level of professionalism in the industry.
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Mill news great for Whakatane and Eastern Bay of Plenty region
31 May 2021
Confirmation today that the Whakatane Mill continues to have a future is great news for the town, the wider region and the New Zealand pulp and paper industry, says the EMA.
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Business Plus
More funding for economic recovery in the regions welcomed
27 May 2021
The EMA says the government’s announcement of a new fund to replace the Provincial Growth Fund is good news for the economic recovery of the regions.
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Business Plus
EMA Workplace Wellbeing Survey 2021 – in partnership with nib Health Insurance
25 May 2021
We are inviting you to complete the EMA Workplace Wellbeing Survey 2021 – in partnership with nib Health Insurance. We want to get a picture of your wellbeing challenges so we can help to address these.
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Business Plus
No great benefits for business from the balanced Budget 2021
20 May 2021
The EMA says there is not much in Budget 2021 for business, but that is as expected.
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Business Plus
More spaces for skilled and critical workers’ welcome
10 May 2021
The EMA says its members will be pleased with today’s announcement that more spaces have been allocated in managed isolation facilities for skilled and critical workers.
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Business Plus
No positive outcomes from FPA proposal
7 May 2021
The EMA says there will be no positive outcomes from the Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) proposal for businesses.
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Business Plus
Health reform goals should have positive impact on productivity
21 April 2021
The EMA says if the goals of the health reforms announced today are realised, productivity will increase as people will have a better base level of wellness which will enable them to work.
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Business Plus
Immigration policy review won’t address bigger picture
21 April 2021
The Productivity Commission’s call for a revised immigration policy to better meet the skills demand in New Zealand provides the prompt for a much bigger piece of work about a population strategy.
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Business Plus
Submission on the Immigration
19 April 2021
The EMA supports the need to have flexible immigration system, as stated in the General Policy Statement of the Bill.
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Business Plus
Trans-Tasman quarantine-free travel
12 April 2021
Whether travelling for business or pleasure there are things you need to know about travel to and from Australia from April 18.
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Business Plus
Trans-Tasman bubble critical first step
6 April 2021
The EMA says today’s announcement that the two-way trans-Tasman bubble will go ahead from midnight, April 18, will be welcomed by all businesses reliant on trade with Australia.
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Business could do with a breather
29 March 2021
The call for a halt to new business-focused legislation for the next two years is an idea that has merit for a business community desperately in need of a breather, says the EMA.
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Business Plus
Whakatane Mill closure terrible news
16 March 2021
The EMA says the announcement today that the Whakatane Mill is closing is terrible news for the management team, employees, and the wider community.
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Business Plus
Extra ATAP spend welcome but is the balance of transport modes right?
12 March 2021
The additional $500 million spend announced today as part of the revised $31 billion Auckland Transport Alignment Programme (ATAP) is welcome at a time when Auckland Council’s budget is under extreme pressure, says the EMA.
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Business Plus
Get Auckland back to Alert Level 1 to take advantage of weekend trade
11 March 2021
EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley is urging the Government to immediately return Auckland to Alert Level 1 after its cabinet meeting tomorrow rather than wait until 6am Sunday.
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Business Plus
Rolling restrictions highlight precarious business positions
4 March 2021
The recent series of alert level restrictions have shown just how close to the edge many businesses are being forced to operate with increasing numbers facing ever harder decisions.
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Business Plus
EMA echoes calls for more input into future management of COVID-19
2 March 2021
Calls by senior business leaders for more openness and cooperation around the Government’s plan for the ongoing management of COVID-19 are strongly supported by the EMA.
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Business Plus
Auckland back at Alert Level 3 and rest of country at Alert Level 2
27 February 2021
The Government announcement that Auckland is back to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand at Alert Level 2 for the next seven days is unwelcome.
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Business Plus
Holidays Act overhaul short-term pain for long-term gain
23 February 2021
The EMA says its business members will welcome the overhaul of the Holidays Act, although it will potentially be challenging for them to implement.
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Business Plus
Resurgence Support Payment welcome for struggling businesses
17 February 2021
The rules have been changed with payments available to hard-hit businesses after seven days instead of 14, including at Alert Level 2.
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Business Plus
Speed and scale key to Auckland moving from Alert Level 3
16 February 2021
Being able to move quickly up - and down - the alert level scale will be the key to dealing with COVID-19 flare-ups in future.
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Business Plus
Border crossings easier for business at Alert Level 3
15 February 2021
The Government has set up an online system for workers needing to cross regional borders.
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Business Plus
Auckland back at Alert Level 3 and rest of country at Alert Level 2
14 February 2021
The Government has announced that as a precaution Auckland will go to Alert Level 3 for the next 72 hours from midnight tonight, February 14.
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Business Plus
Premium Article
Vaccines another welcome tool to manage COVID-19
12 February 2021
The Government’s announcement today confirming the prioritised roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine will give Kiwis confidence of the country’s ongoing commitment to managing the pandemic.
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Business Plus
More money to hire people gives business a boost
11 February 2021
More money to hire people through the extension of Flexi-wage will save businesses money and provide more jobs.
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Business Plus
SMEs welcome additional Government support for employers
9 February 2021
The $350 Short Term Absences Payment for those off work awaiting COVID-19 test results is good news for employers, employees and those self-employed.
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Business Plus
ReTrain results in renewed passion for employment
9 February 2021
For Hinemihi Rikihana the ReTrain programme has given her the confidence and skills to pursue her passion and turn it into paid work.
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Business Plus
Timing wrong for minimum wage rise
22 December 2020
The EMA says the long-planned minimum wage increase to $20 per hour is coming at precisely the wrong time for some of its members and many other New Zealand businesses.
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Business Plus
Free guide for the silly season
21 December 2020
It’s not called the silly season for nothing, which is why we have put together a free Social Events Action Guide to highlight the challenges with workplace gatherings.
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Business Plus
The top five things on employers wish lists for 2021
18 December 2020
Finding staff, the difficulties of dealing with immigration, the increasing costs of business and compliance, and uncertainty are the key issues facing business in the findings from the EMA’s recent annual member employer survey.
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Business Plus
NZPPA and EMA partner to support payrollers
3 December 2020
The EMA have partnered with the New Zealand Payroll Practitioners Association (NZPPA) to help upskill payrollers and give them a career pathway.
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Business Plus
Congestion charging could work if offset by productivity gains
1 December 2020
Introducing congestion charging to Auckland and other congested cities around New Zealand is a matter of when not if but the conversation with the road using public needs to start now, says the EMA.
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Premium Article
More than 1700 attend EMA Spring Briefings
27 November 2020
New Zealand border issues, skills and staff shortages and new rules around compulsory Christmas shut-downs dominated discussions during the EMA’s recently completed Spring Briefing round.
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Business Plus
2020 Annual Report
24 November 2020
This is the first time the EMA has offered an online report rather than a printed copy and provides the ability for more visually dynamic and easily navigable content.
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Business Plus
Life memberships honour long-term contribution
24 November 2020
Two former board members were presented with life memberships at the EMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) this afternoon to honour their contribution to guiding the member business organisation.
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Premium Article
Bulletin - Friday, 06 November 2020
16 November 2020
In this week's Employer Bulletin read about a contractor status challenged, parties to consider mediation as ongoing employment and a temporary reinstatement claim which failed an overall justice test.
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Northland poised for massive growth if infrastructure comes to fruition
10 November 2020
Northland is poised for a massive growth surge if the current infrastructure project pipeline comes to fruition.
This is according to EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley, who has just been involved with the EMA’s Spring Briefing series for member busi
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Positive signs for SMEs from Prime Minister
5 November 2020
The EMA is pleased that small business loans will be extended for three years and interest-free loans for two years, and that the scheme would be extended for a broader range of purposes including innovation and technology advancement.
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Premium Article
BusinessPlus October 2020
3 November 2020
Businesses grow economies, not governments.
It’s a stark statement, but I believe it is true. It was something we used to often reflect on when I was at ATeeD, considering what economic development strategies and interventions we could be making.
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Premium Article
Bulletin - Friday, 30 October 2020
30 October 2020
In this week's Employer Bulletin read about an ingenuine fixed term agreement issued to avoid a restructure, a dismissal deemed procedurally deficient, a determination for lost wages and feedback not heard during a restructuring process.
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Business Plus
Premium Article
Bulletin - Friday, 23 October 2020
23 October 2020
In this week's Employer Bulletin a paid parental leave application reversed , compliance orders sought, substantially and procedurally unjustified dismissal.
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Business Plus
Premium Article
Bulletin - Friday, 16 October 2020
16 October 2020
In this week's Employer Bulletin employee challenged penalty for intellectual property breach, employee claims dismissed and employer breached drug and alcohol policy.
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Business Plus
Election Manifesto 2020
13 October 2020
The 2020 general election on October 17 is one of the most critical in New Zealand’s history. The economy and the businesses that drive our economic and social wellbeing have taken a beating that no-one saw coming just a few short months ago. The glo
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Premium Article
Bulletin - Friday, 9 October 2020
9 October 2020
In this week's Employer Bulletin read about an unjustified dismissal upheld in the Employment Court, reasonable steps not taken in raising a personal grievance and a settlement agreement held to be full and final on all employment matters.
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Best policies for business post-election
24 September 2020
The EMA has today released its 2020 Election Manifesto detailing what it believes the next Government needs to do to create the economic and social conditions for the country’s post-COVID transformation.
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Business Plus
Resident visa extension welcomed by business
9 September 2020
The EMA says the Government’s announcement extending resident visas gives certainty to skilled workers trying to return or get into the country and into work and is a relief for member businesses.
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Business Plus
Extra public holiday worth the cost?
7 September 2020
The EMA says the Government’s announcement today of an extra public holiday for Matariki from 2022 is unlikely to find favour with its business members.
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Business Plus
Time to Transform
2 September 2020
Our team of five million has been congratulated many times for our success in dealing with the COVID-19 public health crisis.
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Business Plus
Alert Level change on Sunday welcomed but border issue remains
24 August 2020
The EMA welcomes the Government’s announcement of Auckland returning to Alert Level 2 at midnight this Sunday, August 30, but says border control issues will still be a major hurdle for businesses in the next six days.
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Business Plus
Alert level changes should be confirmed if conditions allow
23 August 2020
The EMA is urging the Government to announce tomorrow that Auckland will be moving to Alert Level 2 at midnight next Wednesday, August 26, so that businesses can be prepared.
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Business Plus
Regional border process must be better
18 August 2020
The EMA says a main concern of many of its member businesses from Taupo to Northland is getting through regional borders, with or without the right paperwork.
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Business Plus
Further extended Wage Subsidy Scheme good news for business
17 August 2020
The EMA says the Government’s further extension to the Wage Subsidy Scheme is good news for Auckland businesses who are unable to operate at all or are operating at reduced capacity at Alert Level 3.
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Businesses urged to adapt to keep trading
14 August 2020
The Employers and Manufacturers Association is urging businesses to adapt to the restrictions of Alert Level 3 so they can stay open and keep trading
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Premium Article
SMEs welcome additional Government support for employers
9 August 2020
The Government’s announcement today of the new Short Term Absences Payment (STAP) will be welcomed by both employers, employees and those self-employed, says the EMA.
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Premium Article
BusinessPlus August September 2020
1 August 2020
In this edition we include our 2020 Election Manifesto, look at our Member Survey feedback and look at the latest case law around COVID-19.
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Business Plus
120 NZ businesses secure funding for fast-tracking global growth
20 July 2020
120 New Zealand businesses have been accepted into the Export Excelerator Programme designed to fast-track their global export plans.
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Business Plus
Randerson Report welcome alternative for resource management future
17 July 2020
The new Government in September must act quickly on the Randerson Review Panel’s recommendations on New Zealand’s resource management future if the country is to transform quickly after the impacts of COVID-19 says the EMA.
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Rail boost impactful for Auckland commuters
17 July 2020
The four-lane highway from Whangarei to Tauranga may be the eye-catching part of National’s new infrastructure plan, but it is arguably the significant rail upgrades and busway projects that could have the biggest impact on Aucklanders, says the EMA.
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Balance about right in Rebuilding Together budget
15 July 2020
The EMA says the Government's budget amidst COVID-19 was always going to have to strike the right balance between spending and debt levels to regenerate the economy for the benefit of all. Chief Executive Brett O'Riley believes it does provide a
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ACC levy freeze relief for businesses
6 July 2020
The EMA is pleased with the Government’s announcement today that it is freezing ACC levies, paid by businesses, the self-employed and motorists to cover the costs of accidents, for two years.
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BusinessPlus July 2020
1 July 2020
Our team of five million has been congratulated many times for our success in dealing with the COVID-19 public health crisis.
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Infrastructure spend good start for regions
1 July 2020
The shovel ready projects infrastructure programme will inject almost $1 billion dollars into the EMA’s region in the Upper North Island, and generate important employment opportunities.
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Business Plus
Last chance for fully funded fast-track to global growth
26 June 2020
Exporters throughout New Zealand will have to get in quickly if they want to be one of 120 businesses to fast-track their global expansion plans through the Export Excelerator Programme.
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Fast-tracked consents good for recovery
15 June 2020
Fast-tracking consents for 11 significant infrastructure projects across the country is a good start aiding the recovery and will be particularly welcome in the Auckland region where a number of the projects are based.
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Alert Level 1 a relief but many businesses will still struggle
8 June 2020
The EMA says its 7000 members and businesses across the country are relieved at the Government’s announcement of Alert Level 1 from midnight Wednesday but warns the hard work for the economy lies ahead.
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BusinessPlus June 2020
1 June 2020
Recovery, it is the word of the day as businesses try to return to something like normality. For many in New Zealand this will feel like enough, but I think we must go further and grasp the opportunity to truly transform our economy with sustainable
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Alert Level 1 coming but too late for many
25 May 2020
The EMA is disappointed with the Government announcement today that the country will not move to Alert Level 1 until at least Monday, June 22, saying every day at the moment counts, particularly for struggling SMEs.
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Restructures and redundancies on the rise for businesses
21 May 2020
The EMA says rising inquiries to its AdviceLine and the announcement by Fletchers of about 1000 redundancies underlines the tough times businesses big and small continue to face under COVID-19 restrictions.
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Business Plus
Level 2 needed for business continuity
8 May 2020
The survival of businesses and people’s livelihoods needs to now be the focus for New Zealand, says the EMA.
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Business Plus
Fast-track consents necessary for Covid 19 recovery
4 May 2020
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
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Business Plus
Premium Article
BusinessPlus May 2020
1 May 2020
New Zealand business needs a new approach from Government to industry development, regulation, projects and procurement if the economy is going to start to recover.
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Business Plus
Time for economy to move to Alert Level 2
1 May 2020
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.
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Business Plus
Cashflow help welcomed by SMEs
1 May 2020
The EMA says its members will welcome the Government’s announcement of the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme, which will definitely help some survive.
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Business Plus
Support package welcomed but small business may need more
15 April 2020
The recent announcement by Government to extend further support small to medium enterprises is very welcome.
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Business Plus
New approach needed for economic recovery to begin
13 April 2020
New Zealand business needs a new approach from Government to regulation, projects and procurement if the economy is going to start to recover.
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Business Plus
Thousands seek expert business advice
7 April 2020
EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says an early decision to open the organisation’s AdviceLine to all has meant thousands of businesses have been able to access expert advice and guidance as the Covid-19 lockdown hit the economy.
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Free web series to help businesses get through
3 April 2020
The EMA in partnership with ATEED and the Regional Business Partner Network has this week launched a free web series to help all businesses get through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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Premium Article
BusinessPlus April 2020
1 April 2020
I have mentioned many times publicly during my tenure as EMA Chief Executive the positive challenge of leading an organisation with 134 years of history servicing the needs of businesses, and facilitating business as a community or eco-system that wo
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Business Plus
Business continuity amid COVID-19
1 April 2020
We’ve got the resources and information you need to manage your business through COVID-19, including latest updates and changes in Alert Levels, as well as support to help you get back on track.
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Business Plus
Postponement of minimum wage increase only option
30 March 2020
The EMA is urging the Government to postpone the planned significant increase to the minimum wage on Wednesday, as employers grapple with keeping their doors open amid COVID-19.
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EMA applauds extra measures to keep people in work
27 March 2020
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the extra measures to keep people in work will be a huge relief to businesses across New Zealand, and have saved jobs.
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EMA urging businesses to hang in there
26 March 2020
The EMA is urging its members to hang in there as reality bites with the first day of the enforced four-week shut down of the country.
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Business Plus
Extra support for businesses struggling with Covid-19 impacts welcomed
23 March 2020
The Government’s massive boost to business support is welcome recognition of the impacts of Covid-19 on the economy as New Zealand faces a Level 4 lockdown says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
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Business Plus
Push the ‘go’ button on infrastructure plans
19 March 2020
The EMA is joining the call for Government and councils to push ahead and fast-track critical infrastructure projects throughout the upper North Island.
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Business Plus
Premium Article
BusinessPlus Issue 178 March 2020
1 March 2020
In this edition we profile Milk New Zealand Dairy & Dawn Aerospace, look at why some start-ups survive and prosper and farewell Mike Moore.
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Business Plus
Annual Report 2019
1 November 2019
View our 2019 Annual report here!
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