New Zealand welcomed Covid-19 Alert Level 2 this week. For many, it meant being able to meet loved ones, get a long-overdue haircut or maybe even head to the mall.
While businesses were also allowed to re-open, many owners had one eye on Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s budget announcement on Thursday.
It’s been called the recovery budget, with a huge focus on helping people and the economy as the global pandemic continues to impact.
Here are some of the key points for our community:
An extra $50b for the Covid-19 Response Plan with $15.9b for businesses and jobs including:
– $3.2b to extend the wage subsidy an extra 8 weeks
– $3b for infrastructure including social & state housing
– $1.6b for free trades training & apprenticeships
– $900m for Māori training, employment & health
– $195m for Pacific peoples
So will this spending have the desired effect for our Pasifika communities? Marama T-Pole spoke with Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.
Watch the full interview above.
