COVID-19 WHĀNAU SUPPORT

Below you will find the resources needed to help you make important business decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic. This official information is updated regularly, so please check back often.

What matters most in these tough times? Looking after yourself, your whānau, your money. Here are some useful tools to help you!

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Below are our most frequently asked questions regarding the support you can receive for yourself and your whānau. If your question isn’t answered here, please get in touch with us.

Can I access my Kiwisaver?

The short answer, is yes! You will need to contact your scheme provider regarding any withdrawal, reduction, or to take a break from contributions.

If you do not know who your KiwiSaver scheme provider is, look in your “myIR” account under the KiwiSaver section.

If you want to withdraw some of your KiwiSaver funds, you’ll need to provide evidence you’re suffering significant financial hardship. If your application is accepted, you’ll only be able to withdraw your and your employer’s contributions.

If you want to take a break from making KiwiSaver contributions, you can take a savings suspension. You can also change the amount you contribute to your KiwiSaver fund to 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%.

Agency	Quicklink
IRD	Kiwisaver

I can't pay my mortgage. What can the banks do?

New Zealand’s retail banks are offering to defer repayments for all residential mortgages for up to 6 months for customers financially affected by COVID-19. Mortgage repayment deferrals mean that affected customers who apply to their bank will not make principal and interest payments on their loans for up to 6 months. This package is in addition to what banks are already doing individually to provide assistance to affected customers.

Please note there are important conditions regarding this scheme and each bank will be different. You must contact your bank for further information.

Agency	Quicklink
Government	Renters and homeowners

I can't pay my tax. What can I do?

Tax relief and income assistance is available to people affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19.

If your business is unable to pay its taxes on time due to the impact of COVID-19, we understand – you don’t need to contact us right now. Get in touch with us when you can, and we’ll write-off any penalties and interest. However, it will help if you continue to file. This information is used to make correct payments to people and to help the Government respond to what is happening in the economy. If you have a tax agent, they should also be able to help.

Agency	Quicklink
Government	Tax relief

I need to go to hospital, who can I call?

St John is still operating during Covid-19 Alert 4 status. Our Customer Service Centre continues to operate, from 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday – Sunday, to support you with any general enquiries on St John products and services including Medical Alarms, First Aid training and ambulance account invoices.

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
St John	Covid-19	0800 785 646 (0800 ST JOHN)

If you are feeling unwell, please call Healthline for advice and information, this is a dedicated Covid-19 number and is available 24/7.

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
Government Healthline		0800 358 5453

Information on how to access health care is found here:

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
Government	Health and wellbeing

I can't pay my rates, who can I call?

Many councils are allowing you to postpone or defer paying your rates. You will need to check with your Council directly to find out if they offer this service and whether you are eligible.

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
Government	Postpone/defer rates

I don't have any kai. Who can help me?

In the first instance, you need to ring Work and Income NZ.

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
Work and Income	Eligibilty/emergencies

The Salvation Army is still operating, but in a modified way and in-line with lockdown protocols. Please use these links to find a service centre near you and their contact numbers.

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
The Salvation Army	Get help/food	0800 53 00 00
The Salvation Army	Covid 19	0800 53 00 00
The Salvation Army	Locations	0800 53 00 00

Where can I get a flu jab?

Agency	Quicklink	Phone
Health Navigator NZ	Influenza vaccines
Fight Flu NZ	Influenza vaccines
Ministry of Health NZ	Influenza vaccines
Working Health	Questions answered	0800 430 209
The Imunisation Advisory Centre	Influenza vaccines	0800 466 863