Rena Support

Stuff reports:

Tauranga businesses will receive compensation from the Government, if they can prove that their company has been affected by the Rena grounding.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced today that small businesses would receive some support.

“This Rena Support Subsidy will give the worst-affected businesses, which rely on the sea and coastline, a hand to keep paying their staff,” she said.

The business must operate within or near the maritime exclusion zone to be eligible.

They would need to show that they have already used any insurance cover and were unable to relocate their operation.

“From Monday, businesses that meet these criteria and have no other way to pay their staff can apply for the six week support package,” Bennett said.

The package included a $500 subsidy for full-time staff and $300 for part time staff. It was only available for sole traders and small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

Sounds very reasonable.