– 31 March 2020 The Government has developed and rolled out an economic response package in response to COVID-19. For employers, perhaps the most critical parts of this package are the Wage Subsidy Scheme (“the Scheme”) and the COVID-19 Leave Payment (“the Leave Payment”). Under the Scheme, all New Zealand employers, contractors, sole traders, self-employed persons, registered charities, and incorporated societies are eligible for a wage subsidy for their staff. The aim of the Scheme is to provide a wage subsidy to protect businesses from closing-down and to ensure employees are paid at least 80% of their salary or wages. […]