Extreme weather: Information for businesses

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.

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.

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.

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.

Auckland business support

Small business owners in Auckland who are facing challenges, especially relating to recent weather events, can find support through the online business platform Activate Community.

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.

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.