In this newsletter:

• Not too late, you can still apply for the Hatch Foundation programme

• Important changes to Covid restrictions announced this week

• Support payments – Covid Support Payment (CSP) and Working for Families

• Watch Fair Pay Agreement discussion with Pacific businesses

• Book Now for Health and Safety Workshop and more

• Tickets on sale for Moana Pasifika games

Not too late, you can still apply for Hatch Foundation

Whether you have just started a small business or have a business idea, the Hatch Foundation programme is for you. Gain the foundational business skills and knowledge that will enable you to make informed decisions around pursuing entrepreneurship and business as a future pathway.

Apply Now

Important Changes to Covid Restrictions announced this week The government announced this week changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework affecting the traffic light settings, My Vaccine Pass requirements and other vaccine mandates.   From midnight tonight:

• There will be no limits for outdoor activities, such as gatherings and events, and food and drink businesses. My Vaccine Passes must be used until 11:59pm on 4 April.

• There will be a 200-person limit for indoor gatherings and events — My Vaccine Passes must be used until 11:59pm on 4 April.

• If My Vaccine Passes are not used, the gathering limits remain unchanged.

• You do not need to wear a face mask outdoors.

• Other face mask rules remain unchanged — face masks are still required in most indoor settings.

• There is no requirement to scan in or for a business to display a QR code poster or have mandatory record keeping.

My Vaccine Pass

• From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, there will be no requirement to use My Vaccine Pass. Until 4 April, where My Vaccine Passes are not used, the current restrictions remain — but after this time, the new capacity limits will apply to everyone. After 4 April, businesses will still be able to use the system if they would like to.

Worker Vaccine Mandates

From 11:59pm on 4 April 2022, some government vaccine mandates for workers will be removed. Workers that will still be covered by a government vaccine mandate include:

• health and disability sector workers

• prison staff

• border and MIQ workers.

Vaccine mandates remain in place for these sectors because workers in these areas have a high level of contact with people at risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19. For border workers, there is a high risk of exposure to new variants.   Businesses will be able to voluntarily introduce workforce vaccination requirements if appropriate to the workforce.   The next review of the traffic light settings is on 4 April and will determine what colour each area of New Zealand sits in. Visit Covid19.govt.nz for all the latest information.

COVID-19 Support Payment (CSP) available now

The Covid Support Payment (CSP) is still available for businesses to apply. Those eligible will need to have lost 40 percent or more of their revenue due to the spread of Omicron. This includes self-employed contractors unable to work due to Omicron. There are three payments in total. Apply in MyIR, all applications close 5 May 2022. Learn more.

Working for Families support payments

Working for Families payments support families busy raising the next generation. Check out their calculator to see if your family may qualify. You’ll need your family details and income information handy. Visit here.

Fair Pay Agreement discussion with Minister Michael Wood

We enjoyed our Facebook Live discussion this week with Minister Michael Wood on the Fair Pay Agreements policy and what it means for business owners. The panel was joined by our General Manager, John Faitala together with Jon Ginnen from Ginnen Alarms and Curtis Stowers from Monica Moore Productions. Watch here.

Thanks to Pay Pacific Gap Drop-in clinic Attendees Our thanks to those businesses who joined our Pacific Pay Gap talanoa on Wednesday and for the generosity of stories shared. Thanks also to our guest presenters Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo and Lisa Meto Fox for their advice and support on what matters for our Pasifika communities, and to PBT’s development team Johlie Moanaloa Solofa and 'Ileini 'Ofahengaue for being great hosts. We really appreciated the generosity of stories shared. Faafetai tele lava.

Book Now for Health and Safety Workshop

If you’re a small business owner looking to understand the functions of Health and Safety Law that protect workers and learners in the workplace, then join us online next week.   Our Health and Safety workshop is designed to help businesses understand:

• Why Health & Safety is important to understand

• Health & Safety terminology, duties and responsibilities

• The consequences associated with breaching Health & Safety rules and regulations

• How to build your Safehouse and more.

Our team will be taking a Pacific-centric approach to deliver this workshop and use key elements such as Fonofale and Talanoa to better understand how these approaches can be applied in your workplace.   Don’t forget to invite your business partner(s) or friends you think may be interested to learn.

When: starts 4pm 29 March 2022

Where: Online via Zoom

Register Here

Upcoming workshops 

We have our upcoming workshops for those who might be interested. Make sure to mark your calendar, so you don’t miss out. Click here to view more.

ONLINE | Business Strategy Tuesday, 5 April 2022 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM This workshop helps Pacific business owners and entrepreneurs consider what is needed to be successful in business.

Wellington| Procurement Readiness for Construction Business

Thurs, 28 April 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM This workshop shares up-to-the-minute knowledge and expertise on procurement and is designed for construction businesses.

Auckland| Social Enterprise Strategy Tues, 10 May 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM This workshop will help you with tools and tactics to develop a strong social enterprise strategy.

Tickets on sale now for Moana Pasifika vs Blues game next Tuesday

Battle of the 09! Moana Pasifika vs Blues With no crowd restrictions Mt Smart stadium can be packed out with all the beautiful sounds and colour of the Pacific! Come support your Moana Pasifika team and experience all the game action live as Moana Pasifika take on the Blues next week, Tuesday 29 March.   Gates open 5:30pm for 7:05pm kick off | Mt Smart Stadium   Don’t miss the all action, get your tickets now.

Need support or have questions? Please contact the PBT team on 0800 287 7526 or email info@pacificbusiness.co.nz, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.   PBT Team www.pacificbusiness.co.nz