Today marks the first day of New Zealand’s lockdown and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says things are “running as smoothly as expected.”
She shared her gratitude to the nation for their commitment to staying at home. “That is a remarkable feat and I want to thank the nation for that.”
“I once was a checkout operator…it is a thankless job,” Ardern shows gratitude to supermarket workers
The Prime Minister made special mention to frontline workers, making a point to acknowledge bank tellers, cleaners and supermarket workers.
“I was once a checkout operator…I cannot imagine what some of those individuals will have experienced in the last few weeks,” she said. “On behalf of New Zealand, I want to say thank you to them.”
The Prime Minister also reports panic buying seems to have settled down and expects people to adapt their behaviours as the lockdown continues.
Ardern also addressed claims of price gouging from supermarkets and says they will “keeping an eye on” them and follow up with reports.
Extra $27 million to social services and community groups
The government also announced a $27 million package to social sectors and community groups.
This will go towards “access to food and other goods, places for people to live, support disabled people, and keeping families safe from domestic support.”
Auckland City Mission had a 50% increase in demand in food packages and will receive some of the funding to support vulnerable community members.
Women’s Refuge will also get additional funding and support with accommodation for women and children who may need housing.
Addressing economists predictions that the unemployment rate may reach a staggering 30%, Robertson says he expect employment to be “significantly higher” than that of the Global Financial Crisis.
