WELLINGTON (World) – New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern along with the ministers in her government and public service chief executives are taking a pay cut of 20% for the next six months in response to the economic impact of coronavirus.
Offices, schools and non-essential services across New Zealand have been closed over the last three weeks. Economic activity is at a standstill with the country undertaking one of the world’s strictest lockdowns.
The New Zealand government forecasts joblessness surging owing to the global and domestic slowdown.
“This is where we can take action and that is why we have. We acknowledge New Zealanders who are reliant on wage subsides, taking a pay cut, and losing their jobs as a result of the global pandemic.”
– Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister
On Wednesday, New Zealand recorded 20 new COVID-19 cases bringing up the total to 1,386, with a total of 9 deaths so far.
Next week, the government shall decide if it will extend its current “Level 4” shutdown.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.