Transporting New Zealand is calling on the Government to urgently stand up a business and wage support package to support workers impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
“As only the third national state of emergency in our history, we consider that the severity of this event warrants an immediate and significant programme of support from central government,” said Transporting New Zealand CEO, Nick Leggett.
“A comprehensive business and wages support package for the affected areas of the North Island, modelled after the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy, would provide urgently required support to businesses and their employees.”
Transporting New Zealand says it has already heard from trucking companies who are struggling due to a lack of cashflow.
Many road freight companies may already be struggling to pay wages, repair and replace vehicles and premises, and meet other fixed business expenses, it said.
Mr Leggett says a business and wages support package would also boost the speed and resilience of the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery for the sector.
“If transport and other essential businesses can’t operate, there will be serious impacts on freight movement and national supply chains, at a time when we can least afford it.”
“A comprehensive support package must be introduced without delay,” he said.
