Ardern broadens, extends small business loans scheme

Ardern broadens, extends small business loans scheme
Pattrick Smellie
The government will extend and expand the interest-free loan scheme for small businesses, using its covid-19 response to deal with an issue that existed before the pandemic, Prime Minister Jacinda announced today.In her first major speech since winning the Oct. 17 election, Ardern said changes to the small business cashflow loan scheme would be in place by Christmas.The main changes will be to extend the scheme, which effectively uses the Inland Revenue Department as a lender to businesses, for three years and to make all lending interest-free...

More Economy

Fonterra windfall brings risks: ASB
Primary Sector

Fonterra windfall brings risks: ASB

Farmers will vote for the Lactalis deal on Oct 30.

Rebecca Howard 24 Oct 2025
How Pharmac's set-up risks higher health costs
Economy

How Pharmac's set-up risks higher health costs

Pharmac's fixed budget discourages use of cost-saving medicines common elsewhere.

Pattrick Smellie 23 Oct 2025
The recurring nightmare of inflation
Opinion

Cameron Bagrie: The recurring nightmare of inflation

There is a need to keep inflation contained.

Cameron Bagrie 23 Oct 2025
No respite for the NZ dollar
Economy

No respite for the NZ dollar

Easing trade tensions isn’t helping the NZ dollar. 

Rebecca Howard 22 Oct 2025