Govt support of quake-hit businesses welcomed: survey

Photo / Greg Bowker

The Government's support of Canterbury businesses in the wake of the region's 7.1 magnitude quake should be replicated nationwide, business software and services company MYOB says.

"The Government has demonstrated how quickly they can act in response to an emergency to provide essential lifelines for business," MYOB general manager Julian Smith said.

"In less than a week, they cut through red tape to provide wage assistance for employers, access to emergency funding, and a truly impressive level of flexibility from the IRD, with much of it managed through a central, local source.

He applauded the Government for its "responsiveness".

"However, the kind of model they have put in place, and clearly demonstrated they have the capability to do so, is essentially one that businesses all around the country are asking for," he said.

Businesses had been struggling over the past year with the "sluggish pace" of the recovery and the implementation of a range of new legislation, which was clearly reflected in falling support for the Government's business policies.

"In particular, those sectors hardest hit by the recession, which are also taking the longest to recover, now strongly feel the Government should be providing them with more help," Smith said.

The survey, of more than 1000 New Zealand business owners, showed increasing dissatisfaction with red tape and the performance of the Government.

It reported almost twice as many businesses were dissatisfied with the support of the Government (29 per cent) than those that are satisfied (15 per cent).

According to August's survey, retail and hospitality business owners were the most dissatisfied with Government support (38 per cent), followed by construction, trades and transport (30 per cent).

ACC legislation and climate change initiatives continued to be the most unpopular legislation -- seen as unhelpful by 44 per cent of businesses surveyed.

"Ultimately - even with sweeteners like the tax breaks - kiwi business owners would prefer to see a model where they are given more freedom to do what they do best; generate investment, wealth and jobs for New Zealand, while getting essential support for Government for things like cash flow, investment funding and regional development," Smith said.

- NZPA