The Government has announced a multi-billion dollar income support package to try and keep New Zealand's economy afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The support will permanently increase benefit payments by $25 per week from April 1 to support the country's most at risk citizens.
The Ministry of Social Development estimates this will increase the incomes of approximately 350,000 families.
The Winter Energy Payment will be doubled as part of the package.
The payment will now be $1400 for couples and $900 for single people - ensuring 850,000 people stay warm throughout the winter flu season.
Where is the cash going?
$500 million for health services
$5.1 billion in wage subsidies
$126 million in self isolation support
$2.8 billion income support including a $25 increase on weekly benefits
$100 million redeployment package
$2.8 billion for businesses to free up cash flow. Provisional tax thresholds will be lifted
- $600 million for aviation support.
The Business Continuity Package was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
