The Government's wage subsidy bill has now topped $12 billion - and Wilson Parking is among the companies to receive more cash in the latest round of payments.
Figures out from the Ministry for Social Development yesterday showed $1.2 billion had been paidout through the wage subsidy extension between June 10 and 26, bringing the total bill to $12.3b, covering 1.7 million jobs.
Among those to have received the subsidy was Wilson Parking, which received $1.7 million to cover 260 jobs in its first claim and $1m for 218 jobs under the extension.
That prompted questioning by Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Thomas Nash, who claimed radio ads run by Wilson Parking during lockdown discouraged public transport use.
The ads encouraged people to make the most of cheap petrol prices and keep their bubbles safe by using Wilson parks.
Nash said the ads were irresponsible and he was concerned the billions given out in wage subsidies should be focused on creating a more green economy.
"It's reasonable to ask some questions about whether handing out money, no questions asked, to companies that are undermining public transport is a good thing to do."
The ads are no longer running and Wilson Parking said the company had simply been promoting driving as an alternative and safe way to commute.
In a statement, it said it rejected any accusations it had claimed public transport was unsafe.
"Wilson Parking fully supports the use of public transport as one of a range of modes for the daily commute.
"Wilson's message is entirely consistent with official recommendations to avoid crowded transportation."
It said the business was overqualified for the wage subsidy extension, as it was still experiencing a decline of more than the required 40 per cent threshold.
Infometrics senior economist Brad Olsen said the wage subsidy was keeping a lot of people in work.
He said more than 200,000 New Zealanders were now accessing some sort of unemployment benefit from the Government, and 56,000 people had gone on the benefit over the past few months because of Covid-19.
Nearly 300,000 people were covered by the wage subsidy extension.
He said while the numbers pointed to a tough time ahead for businesses, there were signs to be optimistic about.
"We have seen that the wage subsidy has kept many more people in work than we might've expected at the start of this pandemic and this economic slowdown, so, some cautious optimism."
Businesses are continuing to pay money back from the wage subsidy scheme. More than 1100 refunds have been made in the past week. The total value of refunds is more than $200 million.
