Perspective: with Heather du Plessis-Allan - The Health Minister should be fired.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson says Health Minister David Clark "got it wrong" when he drove more than 2km to a biking track.
Robertson spoke about his colleague's decision during an update on the latest in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said this afternoon that href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12322301" target="_blank">Clark should have followed the advice to avoid activities where there is a higher risk of injury.
Health Minister David Clark came under fire for driving to a mountain bike track.
On this occasion, Clark "got it wrong", Robertson said at this afternoon's daily press conference.
He urged New Zealanders to only use their car when they need to and limit car trips.
"All New Zealanders can take on board his apology."
He called on New Zealanders to "use their common sense" when it came to venturing outdoors.
Law changing
The Government will change the law to help companies facing insolvency because of Covid-19 to remain running and keep people in jobs.
The temporary changes under the Companies Act include:
• Giving directors of companies facing significant liquidity problems because of Covid-19 a "safe harbour" from insolvency duties under the Companies Act.
• Enabling businesses affected by Covid-19 to place existing debts into hibernation until they are able to start trading normally again.
• Allowing the use of electronic signatures where necessary because of Covid-19 restrictions.
• Giving the Registrar of Companies the power to temporarily extend deadlines imposed on companies, incorporated societies, charitable trusts and other entities under legislation.
• Giving temporary relief for entities that are unable to comply with requirements in their constitutions or rules because of Covid-19.
Businesses struggling to re-pay debts would be able to put them in "hibernation" for six months. If a company was doing well before Covid-19, it should be okay after, given the Government's support, Robertson said.
It was inevitable some businesses would go into liquidation - but he couldn't say how many. The new rules would help them buy some time, Robertson said.
Robertson said the insolvency legislation would be passed "as soon as possible".
'Early action'
The Government has so far announced close to $25 billion of support in the fight against Covid-19.
He praised his Government's plan to take action early and inject money into the economy.
Some $4.78b from the wage subsidy scheme has been paid out to 800,00 New Zealanders
