Joining Parliament remotely from Invercargill last week to listen to the Russian Sanctions Bill being debated in the House provided a unique juxtaposition of the two things which have dominated the year to date – Omicron and the tragic events unfolding in the Ukraine. 

Omicron’s arrival has meant having to do many things differently, at least for a while.  

Yet delaying its arrival for as long as we did also gave the Southland community time to prepare. And in this, I’d like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of the Southern DHB’s public health teams, WellSouth, and local Maori and Pacific health providers, GPs, and pharmacists, who have all worked tirelessly to ensure we face Omicron with the highest vaccination rates possible. As a result, even with the high daily case numbers, the majority of those with Omicron have been able to manage safely at home. 

While many of those isolating at home have been able to rely on friends and family to deliver their supplies, others have found themselves in need of extra support. In such cases, it’s important to remember that support is available, whether it be help getting the groceries delivered, obtaining financial support for urgent and essential costs, or connecting with local community agencies. The Unite Against COVID-19 website has more information on what’s available covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/help-when-you-are-self-isolating/ or you can call the COVID-19 Welfare line on 0800 512 337. 

The Omicron outbreak has also been very difficult for many Southern businesses, particularly those in hospitality. The recently announced COVID Support Payment was thus welcome news for many. It’s paid fortnightly at $4000 per business, plus $400 per full-time employee (capped at 50 FTEs, or $24,000) for eligible businesses. Inland Revenue’s website www.ird.govt.nz/covid-19/business-and-organisations has more information on this and other supports available to businesses. 

In the medium to longer term, the lifting of self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers entering New Zealand will provide a much needed boost for Southern hospitality and tourism businesses. While at present fully vaccinated New Zealanders returning home are able to step off the plane and immediately connect with friends and family, over time the borders will progressively re-open to other categories of travellers, starting with working holidaymakers and skilled workers meeting certain criteria. Immigration New Zealand’s website www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions/entry-to-new-zealand/border-entry-requirements has more information on the proposed timelines. 

In addition, the situation in Ukraine has been very much front of mind over the past few weeks. 

The Government has made it clear New Zealand stands by the people of Ukraine who have been impacted by Russia’s unprovoked invasion. In addition to the Russian Sanctions Act which was passed last week, the Government has provided an initial $2 million to help deliver essential humanitarian assistance. It is also introducing policies which will allow Ukrainian-born New Zealand citizens and residents here to bring in members of their Ukrainian family whose lives are at risk due to the situation in Ukraine.

However, the impacts of the war in Ukraine have also been felt locally in the form of higher petrol prices. This is why the Prime Minister announced earlier this week that the Government will cut 25 cents a litre off fuel for the next three months, as part of a cost of living package. Public transport fares will also be cut in half for three months to provide cheaper transport options.

As the Prime Minister said

“We cannot control the war in Ukraine nor the continued volatility of fuel prices, but we can take steps to reduce the impact on New Zealand families.  

Just as it was our job to get New Zealand through the Covid-19 health crisis it’s also our job to put in place a plan to get us through the global energy crisis too.”