The new Covid-19 income relief payment has been available since June 8. The latest Ministry of Social Development data shows 2816 people were receiving that payment as of June 12. In total, 45,052 more people had started receiving some sort of income support from the Government since March 20. Economist Brad Olsen said the data showed that job losses were increasing and a “second wave” of unemployment was growing. “Concerns around job security continue across New Zealand, with the uncertainty over economic activity remaining.

Source: Stuff June 18, 2020 23:58 UTC