Presidential Update

Dear Members

These are interesting times that we are living in. The environment is a constantly changing sea of measures, implemented in the hope they will minimise the effects on individuals and businesses from the outbreak of COVID-19.

The health and well-being of our staff is very important. I would ask that if you have a need to or intended visiting our Auckland office, and if you have a cold or any symptoms associated with COVID-19, or have been overseas recently, that you telephone rather than visiting.

The measures implemented to support business and those in need through the government’s recently announced support package, provide unprecedented financial support. Therefore, it is critical that you have read and understood how the government can financially support your business or client’s businesses to survive this significant event. The packages of support for business, including the self-employed, are detailed on the government’s COVID-19 employer support website.

We have reviewed our upcoming events and made the call to cancel some and we will be reassessing others to see if it possible to conduct these via electronic means. We will be keeping all our face-to-face meetings to an absolute minimum. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but believe it’s the right decision. Please check either the website or call the office for further details.

We would recommend that all Branches reconsider the appropriateness of holding any planned events within the next two months (April – May).

Our staff are being provided with regular updates and information to keep themselves and their families safe, and we are reacting and adapting to the situation as it evolves. We urge everyone to follow the recommended hygiene suggestions:

• Wash (and then dry) your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Wash or sanitise your hands before eating.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth to cough or sneeze.

Our future actions in respect of events/courses, etc., will be guided by the information and recommendations available from the Ministry of Health. We will be continually reviewing this information and making decisions on future events/courses, etc., that we believe are in the best interests of all.

We are confident that we have taken the necessary steps and are prepared to manage any impacts resulting from COVID-19.

While we introduce these measures, we are also keen to minimise disruption and will continue to work as close as is possible to our normal practices. We are here to help where we can, please take care and practice social distancing. It will benefit you and all those with whom you have contact.

Kind regards

Dr Denis Mowbray FCG FGNZ.
President

Additional Information is available on the following websites:

• Employment New Zealand – Workplace Response to COVID-19
• Ministry of Health