More than 156,000 jobs are being supported by the latest round of the wage subsidy scheme and businesses say it's a desperately needed lifeline to get them through a second lockdown.
The so-called Resurgence Wage Subsidy opened for applications a week ago, for businesses across the country struggling financially because of the level three restrictions in Auckland.
So far more than $167 million has been paid out, but the Finance Minister Grant Robertson expects that figure to grow.
Here's our social issues reporter, Sarah Robson.
