Earthquake assistance information
What’s new?
Applications for space in the Westpac Business Hub are now open:
If your business has been affected by the quakes, the Westpac Business Hub will be a place where you can get on with the day to day. Adjacent to the CBS Canterbury Arena, the space will be available to all Christchurch businesses and will provide essential services for free, including office space, phone access, broadband, photocopying, video conferencing and a corporate lounge. Westpac people will be there too, to lend a hand and give advice.
For more information and to apply for a space visit westpacbusinesshub.co.nz.
IRD promises a flexible approach:
There are a number of steps being taken to provide relief and assistance to Christchurch businesses affected by the 22 February earthquake. Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has announced that Inland Revenue will take account of the impact of the earthquake when dealing with the tax matters of affected businesses.
Government support package:
An support package has been announced to assist employers and employees in Christchurch affected by the Feb 22 earthquake. The package is available immediately and aims to provide short-term support for employers, to help them keep paying wages, and to provide job loss cover for employees whose employers believe their business is no longer viable. Further details on the Earthquake Support Subsidy and the Earthquake Job Loss Cover are available from Work and Income.
Where can I get information?
For businesses affected by the earthquake in Canterbury please refer to the latest updates from Civil Defence.
There is a government helpline if you need information about services and assistance available:
- Government helpline: 0800 779 997
There is a New Zealand Government website set up to provide the latest information updates and links to information and advice:
Our Biz Helpline (0800 42 49 46) is still operational. For all email enquiries, please contact info@business.govt.nz
On this page:
- What can I do if I can’t find someone?
- How can I find out if roads are open?
- How can I get or offer help?
- Local government information
- Employment relations and health and safety issues
- Emergency financial assistance
- Tax information from Inland Revenue
- Filing Earthquake Commission claims
- Hazardous substances factsheet
- Food safety information
- Public health information
- Recovering from disaster
What can I do if I can’t find someone?
Contact the Red Cross missing person enquiry line on 0800 773 276 or +64 7 850 2199 if calling from outside New Zealand.
The Red Cross NZ website might offer additional information.
How can I find out if roads are open?
For the latest information on roads around Christchurch visit the NZ Transport Agency website or follow @AA_Traffic on Twitter for updates country-wide.
How can I get or offer help?
People on Twitter should follow the #eqnz and #chch hashtags and those in need of help or wanting to offer help should use the #chchAID hashtag to increase the efficiency of communications.
Local government information
Local governments in the Canterbury region also have earthquake information on their websites:
Further updates and information can also be found on the Environment Canterbury website.
Employment relations and health and safety issues
The Department of Labour has information on their website for earthquake affected businesses covering employment relation matters and, health and safety issues.
The ACC has information on their website for earthquake affected businesses concerning deferred invoicing and payment arrangements.
Emergency financial assistance
If you or your workers need emergency financial assistance please contact Work and Income New Zealand.
The Work and Income New Zealand site has information about the government Earthquake Support Subsidy and how to apply.
Tax information from Inland Revenue
Tax information for those affected by the Canterbury earthquake.
Filing Earthquake Commission claims
The Earthquake Commission has an online claim form to assist in processing your claim.
Hazardous substances factsheet
Hazardous substances information if you have a spillage resulting from the earthquake.
If it is an emergency please dial 111.
Food safety information
Public health information
Public health information updates from Canterbury District Health Board.
Recovering from disasterIf you need help and advice about business issues you can call the Biz Information line on 0800 42 49 46.
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