Issued 18/08/2021

Advice from MBIE on 'Essential Services'

Dear NZIV members,

As outlined this morning in our communications we have been seeking urgent clarification from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on the status of Valuation as an essential service.

A short time ago we received the following response from officials and we will keep you updated as new information comes to hand:
From: EssentialEscalations <EssentialEscalations@mbie.govt.nz>
Sent: 18 August 2021 01:06 PM
To: Gary Garner <g.garner@nziv.org.nz>
Subject: RE: Essential Service status of Registered Valuers [UNCLASSIFIED]
 
Kia ora Gary,
 
Thank you for your enquiry.
 
In accordance with the current advice from the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 9) 2021, during Alert Level 4 the only businesses and services that may operate are listed on Schedule 2. This can be found on page 22 on the following document: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2021/0210/latest/LMS536652.html
 
Certain types of valuation services may be undertaken under number 29 in Schedule 2, where necessary to maintain other alert level 4 businesses or services. Valuation services that do not fit into this category or cannot be performed remotely should be deferred. Businesses or services must comply with conditions of operation as set out in the Health Order including operating remotely where possible, providing contact tracing and maintaining social distancing protocols.
 
It is difficult to be prescriptive about what valuation services will be essential and we ask that businesses use their good judgement on the services they continue to offer.
 
Please continue to monitor the COVID-19 website for the latest updates on operating under level 4 https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/businesses/doing-business-at-alert-level-4/#travelling-to-work-at-alert-level-4
 
 
Members are also reminded that wearing a face covering is now a mandatory requirement when in public spaces. 

The Standards Board has also updated their advice in light of the current situation and members can find that guidance HERE.

We will keep you up to date as more information comes to hand.

The list of 'essential businesses' is available HERE

Adam Binns
President
New Zealand Institute of Valuers


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