Extreme weather: Information for businesses
The extreme weather events in parts of the North Island have affected many businesses. Here’s where you will find information and advice about:
- looking after your employees
- operating safely
- insurance claims
- finance, banking and tax
- buildings and landlord responsibilities.
Cyclone and flooding recovery support
If you own a business in places where there was a local State of Emergency, and you have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle or January flooding, you may be eligible for support to help you recover.
Looking after your employees
Take care of yourself and your employees during this time.
If it’s not safe for them to work, don’t require them to do so.
Keep communicating with them. You may need to consider changes to your leave policy.
Finance and banking
Banks are offering help for affected businesses. You may be able to get:
- a temporary business overdraft
- deferred payment for business credit cards
- relief options for business loans.
Talk to your bank to find out what assistance they can offer.
Mental health and wellbeing
If you or your employees are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, visit First Steps. Other free services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text 4357
- Samaritans 0800 726 666.
In an emergency
Emergencies can happen at any time. Find out what to do before, during and after storms, floods and landslides to keep yourself, your employees and your business safe.
Primary sector support
Farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are able to get support to kick-start recovery efforts.
Applications for support from the Ministry for Primary Industries are open now.
Insurance claims
If you're a business owner, register your claims with your insurer as soon as you can.
Business insurance can cover everything from damage to premises, lost or damaged stock, equipment or goods owned by others, vehicles and cover for not being able to operate as well as business interruption cover for loss of profit.
Help from Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue knows many businesses affected by recent extreme weather won't be focussing on tax at the moment.
If you’ve been affected, you don’t need to contact IR right now. If you let them know when you reasonably can there are ways they can help.
Resolving employment issues
If you’re having employment issues get in touch with the Early Resolution Service.
It’s a free phone-based service to help you with workplace issues early, quickly, and informally.
Getting around
Many roads around the upper North Island have been affected by rain, flooding and slips.
Your employees, customers, suppliers and others could be unable to get to your business, so be prepared for delays and cancellations.
Business helpline
Contact the business helpline for information, support and resources for small business owners facing challenges following the flooding and cyclone. It’s provided by the Employers & Manufacturers Association.
Helpline: 0800 500 362
Email: info@businesshelpline.co.nz
Landlords
Get in touch with your tenant to check everyone is safe, and to talk about any damage.
As a landlord, you are responsible for paying for damages caused by a natural disaster.
Business continuity planning
Now could be a good time to check you are prepared for a natural disaster. Being prepared can:
- save lives and prevent harm
- help you continue trading through hardship
- give staff and owners confidence
- protect equipment and premises
- quickly get your business running again.
Have an emergency plan
Putting time into planning for emergencies makes good business sense – it helps keep you and your workers safe and minimises downtime.
Depending on your workplace and type of work, a plan can range from simple to more complex as the risk of an emergency rises.
Building inspections
If your workplace or property has been damaged by extreme weather, it may need a building assessment by a qualified professional.
As a building owner, you have a responsibility to make sure your building is structurally sound.
Support following Cyclone Gabrielle
Additional support and information is available to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Find support(external link) – National Emergency Management Agency
Forecast your cash flow
In times of uncertainty, understanding your financial situation is important. Use our cash flow forecaster to help stay on top of your finances.