The omicron tsunami: are our businesses ready?

The omicron tsunami: are our businesses ready?
An Auckland central interceptor worker gets a PCR test. (Image: Watercare)
Brent Melville
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) wants the government to accelerate the use of rapid antigen testing to help combat the spectre of mass worker absenteeism.The 14,000-member association's head of advocacy and strategy, Alan McDonald, said the business community was acutely aware of the need to regularly test staff, particularly once the much more infectious omicron variant of covid-19 arrived.“We see regular testing, and particularly rapid antigen testing (RAT) as a key tool in keeping business going and supply lines o...

More Retail

Air NZ crew confirm strike action
Retail

Air NZ crew confirm strike action

FAANZ president Craig Featherby said members felt they had no choice but to strike.

Staff reporters 21 Nov 2025
Director confirms police raid on family company
Retail

Director confirms police raid on family company

'The police searched the property for a considerable time ... '

Gregor Thompson 20 Nov 2025
ForBarr sticks to underperform on The Warehouse Group
Retail

ForBarr sticks to underperform on The Warehouse Group

Analysts say they need to see tangible improvement.

Rebecca Howard 19 Nov 2025
HelloFresh profit plunges 84% as revenue drops amid customer fallout
Retail

HelloFresh profit plunges 84% as revenue drops amid customer fallout

Meal kit provider HelloFresh New Zealand has reported a steep decline in profit and revenue in 2024, as the business faces continually shrinking results post-pandemic.HelloFresh reported revenue of $117.8 million in the 12 months to Dec 31, 2024, a drop of 18.8% or $27.3m from $1...

Staff reporters 17 Nov 2025