Photo / Alex BurtonThe retail and hospitality sector within Auckland CBD has lost about $770 million in consumer spending since February 2020 says the business association, Heart of the City. "Covid has dealt the city centre a real blow, and whilst it's not just a city centre issue, there is a disproportionate impact and there is much to lose." The resurgence support payment can be used by businesses to help pay their fixed costs while the wage subsidy must be passed on to employees. Beck welcomed the second round of resurgence support payment but said more financial support was needed. She said there were many initiatives underway to bring business to the city centre including events such as extending the Restaurant Month during summer.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 17, 2021 06:11 UTC