Govt keeps $14b in covid fund for global slide, lockdown risk

Govt keeps $14b in covid fund for global slide, lockdown risk
Victoria Young
Leaving $14 billion available in the country's covid-19 recovery fund is prudent given the deteriorating outlook for the world economy and the risk that New Zealand could yet have to go back into a second lockdown, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. While the government is doing everything it can to avoid another lockdown, Ardern said it had to also be prepared for that risk and be prepared for the cost of that. The cost of the wage subsidy in the first lockdown was "over $10 billion. So what we're leaving here is $14 billion," she told...

More Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders
Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders

Ministers want regions to consider 'asset recycling', among other funding tools.

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades
Policy

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades

Two of the biggest NZ ports are raising prices as they plan major investments.

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'
Policy

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'

Adam Feeley on the reluctance to call out poor performers in NZ infrastructure sector.

Oliver Lewis 30 Jun 2025
Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations
Policy

Govt mandates high-rise zoning around key CRL stations

Auckland Council will need to provide for building heights of at least 10-15 storeys.

Oliver Lewis 25 Jun 2025