In an acknowledgement of the economic struggles New Zealanders are facing due to COVID-19, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says she, along with government ministers and public service chief executives will be taking a 20% pay cut for 6 months.
“We acknowledge New Zealanders who are reliant on wage subsidies, taking pay cuts and losing their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic,” says Ardern.
The Prime Minister says that while it won’t significantly shift the government’s fiscal position, the decision is about leadership. “We feel…the struggle many New Zealanders are facing.”
Ardern acknowledged the many sacrifices New Zealanders have taken, including landlords freezing rent, the winter energy payments, and the student army delivering groceries to at-risk seniors. Ardern says these people are doing their bit while “showing a little bit of kindness along the way.”
Dr Ashley Bloomfield reported 20 new cases today, bringing the total to 1,386. There are no new deaths today, keeping the total number of deaths at nine.
