NZ Urban Development news from the media | 21 April | Auckland Council announces 73 priority infrastructure projects

Auckland Council announces 73 priority infrastructure projects
 

Auckland Council has submitted a list of 73 key projects to the Infrastructure Industry Reference Group, the taskforce set up by the Government to seek out ‘shovel-ready’ infrastructure projects that can start quickly to stimulate the economy and reduce the economic impact of COVID-19.

Many of the projects included in the submission were already underway or planned to start within the next 6-12 months but have been put on hold due to the nationwide shutdown, including the City Rail Link, the Eastern Busway and the Puhinui Interchange.

Other projects submitted to the Infrastructure Industry Reference Group include:

• Downtown Infrastructure Development Programme
• North western Busway Improvements
• Rosedale Bus Station
• Te Whau Pathway
• Puhinui Stream Restoration Programme
• Marae Upgrade Programme
• Works to enable Kāinga Ora housing projects in Northcote, Tamaki and Mt Roskill

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2020/04/auckland-council-announces-73-priority-infrastructure-projects/

Government backs business through COVID-19

The Government has announced a suite of new measures to provide relief for small and medium-sized businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson says while the Government has already acted swiftly in response to the crisis, with about $20 billion in support already announced, it recognises that more is needed.

The new measures include:

• $3.1 billion tax loss carry-back scheme (estimated cost over the next two years)
• $60 million estimated annual savings to business each year from changes to the tax loss continuity rules
• $25 million in the next 12 months for further business consultancy support
• Greater flexibility for affected businesses affected to meet their tax obligations
• Measures to support commercial tenants and landlords

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-backs-business-through-covid-19

Asset Plus properties fall nearly $18m in value because of Covid-19 disruption

Property company Asset Plus has taken a big hit with the value of three main properties falling almost $18 million from last year because of the Covid19 pandemic disruption.

It is also fielding requests for rent relief and claims for rent reduction in line with lease terms.

Asset Plus said it had finalised the value of its assets for the year ending March 31 2020. Earlier in March valuation firms had told the company that they would be unable to finalise valuations by the March 31 2020 date because of the evolving Covid-19 situation.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/121064839/asset-plus-properties-fall-nearly-18m-in-value-because-of-covid19-disruption

Coronavirus: Builders asked to adopt new safety measures to stop Covid-19 spread

Builders are being asked to accept tough new health and safety rules which stop short of requiring every person to be Covid-19 tested before heading back to the construction site.

Master Builders, New Zealand Certified Builders and Construction Health and Safety NZ have developed new protocols for builders working on residential construction sites.

The new measures were released in anticipation of the Government lowering the coronavirus alert level from 4 to 3, allowing builders to return to work.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/121088964/coronavirus-builders-asked-to-adopt-new-safety-measures-to-stop-covid19-spread