COVID-19 UPDATES

Help us to help you. Federated Farmers can provide this information to farmers because our staff are paid for by membership subscriptions.  Please join Federated Farmers and help us to continue to get this work done for farmers.



For information on the Coronavirus please click the pdf opposite

Advisories

Phase Two - Understanding 'close contact exemptions'

Posted on 15/02/2022
As we move in to "Phase Two' of the plan to fight back against Omicron, it's time to familiarise yourself with what this will mean for how you run your farm.

COVID-19 Update - 25 January 2022

Posted on 25/01/2022
The Pan Sector Industry Working Group (IWG) was formed to help prepare and support farmers dealing with COVID-19.

Preparing for COVID-19 Checklist for your lifestyle block

Posted on 21/12/2021
It’s only a matter of time before a positive case of COVID-19 turns up in your local neighbourhood.

Preparing for COVID-19 on-farm checklist for farmers

Posted on 3/11/2021
It’s only a matter of time before a positive case of COVID-19 turns up on-farm. Is your business prepared if one does?

Webinars

COVID-19 on farm self isolation webinar

This webinar is your opportunity to hear what will be considered when a Medical Officer of Health makes a decision on whether or not you can isolate and continue to work on farm.

COVID-19 Checklists

Preparing for COVID-19 on-farm checklist for farmers

Posted on 3/11/2021
It’s only a matter of time before a positive case of COVID-19 turns up on-farm. Is your business prepared if one does?

Preparing for COVID-19 Checklist for your lifestyle block

Posted on 21/12/2021
It’s only a matter of time before a positive case of COVID-19 turns up in your local neighbourhood.

Factsheets

Information Sheets

Key Links

  • Guidance for Primary Sector can be found here  
  • For details of the Government's 'Three Phase Plan Details' click here 
  • To register your business and whether you even need to click here
  • Employee leave, pay entitlements & modifying employment agreements click here
  • For information on getting vaccinated or boosted click here
  • Managing workers who are COVID-19 cases, contacts of cases or have symptoms click here
  • For financial assistance options click here
  • To obtain a 'Real Me Account' click here
  • Stocking Up for COVID-19: What Do You Actually Need? click here
  • The Current Alert Levels can be found here
  • Details of the requirements for each Alert level can be found here 
  • The link to create a government QR code for your business can be found here


If you need assistance do not hesitate to contact any of the following:  

  • Federated Farmers 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING). and follow the prompts 
  • Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 
  • Your local GP or Afterhours care 
  • Healthline -0800 611 116 
  • Need to Talk - 1737 - you can call or text this number for free 24/7 

Questions & Answers

Critical Workers letter - template

Rapid Antigen Testing 

Guidance for critical workers during Phase Two of our Omicron response

Help COVID impacted farms

The pan-sector Industry Working Group has been working hard to assist farmers to prepare and develop a plan for if COVID-19 makes it on-farm. At some point COVID affected farmers may need additional help on their farms, and if you would like to volunteer to provide support, please self-register via the below link

 

Employment

  • Employment New Zealand - Covid-19 and the Workplace click here
  •  Work and Income (Te Hiranga Tangata) - If you're sick or need time off work because of COVID-19 click here

Dairy 

Meat & Wool

Ministry of Social Development: MSD

Leave Support Scheme

The Leave Support Scheme is available for employers to help pay workers who can't work from home and meet certain health criteria - for example, they have COVID-19 or are defined as a 'close contact' who has been told to self-isolate for 14 days. Read more here
 

Short-Term Absence Payment

The Short-Term Absence Payment is to help businesses keep paying eligible workers who can’t work from home, and need to miss work to stay home while waiting for a COVID-19 test result (in line with public health guidance). Read more here.
 

Help for you and your whānau during COVID-19

Remember, there is a wide range of support available for anyone in need during this time, including childcare, counselling, accommodation and many more. Please check the Family Services Directory (www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory) for more information on what services are on offer and share this with friends or whānau.
 
You can also keep an eye on the MSD Facebook page and the Work and Income website for up-to-date information.

Helpful links