NZ Jobseeker Numbers Top 190K as PM Seeks Feedback on COVID-19 Response

The New Zealand Prime Minister is asking for public feedback on the Government’s COVID-19 response, as new figures show jobseeker support is topping 190,000.

In a video address uploaded by Vision Week, Jacinda Ardern urged people to tell the Government “what you think we should be doing” whether it be through social media, traditional media or Government channels.

“My promise in return is this: that we’re listening, that we will continue to do so, and that we will take action on the basis of what we hear... If you ever feel compelled, please, by all means, write to me it could make all the difference.” It comes as new Treasury figures show jobseeker support reached 190,600 last Friday, up 1100 on the previous week, and although weekly growth remains below the peak of April during the lockdown, it has picked up in the last two weeks.

It coincides with the Government’s wage subsidy scheme running out this week. But businesses that can prove 40 percent income loss because of COVID-19 can apply for an eight week extension. Figures released to Newshub showed that by Tuesday, 664 people had been granted the Government’s new welfare payment that provides up to NZ$490 (FJ$693.46) a week for those who have lost their jobs to COVID-19.

Retail card spending has been slightly above 2019 levels for the past three weeks, but when excluding spending on consumables like groceries - which was elevated throughout the alert levels - retail spending remains down compared to last year.

The Prime Minister said in her address that the Government is committed to stimulating the economy, and that three priorities “clean, green and carbon-neutral” - will be “as important as ever” in her Government’s COVID-19 response. Newshub