New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern takes 20% pay cut over coronavirus

Marty MELVILLE / AFP

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her ministers will take a 20 per cent pay cut given the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is where we can take action and that is why we have," Ardern told the media, adding that the six-month plan will also include public service CEOs.

The move, she explained, is aimed at acknowledging those people who have lost jobs, taken pay cuts or who were reliant on wage subsidies due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nurses, police and health care professionals will be exempt from the pay cut.

New Zealand's offices, schools and non-essential services have been closed for 21 days, with the government expected to decide whether to extend the "Level 4" shutdown next week.

So far, the country has recorded more than 1,300 positive cases and 9 deaths.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Best of Dubai Eye 103.8

    Noon - 7:00pm

    Hear the highlights from the week gone by on Dubai Eye 103.8. Listen again to the best interviews, advice and the top stories that has gripped our conversation this week.

  • The Music Mix

    7:00pm - 11:00pm

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!