This order, which comes into force on its notification in the Gazette, declares the Hurunui/Kaikoura earthquakes to be an emergency event for the purpose of section 183ABA of the Tax Administration Act 1994.

The order will apply to taxpayers that are physically prevented by the Hurunui/Kaikoura earthquakes from making a payment required by tax law by the due date. For example, this will include individuals and companies that are prevented from making PAYE payments to the Commissioner of Inland Revenue because staff or tax agents are unable to access the relevant building or because the records have been destroyed.

The effect is that taxpayers may ask the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to remit interest charged under Part 7 of the Tax Administration Act 1994 for failing to make payments on a due date. The Commissioner may then remit the interest if the Commissioner is satisfied that—

• it is equitable that the interest be remitted; and

• the taxpayer asked for the relief as soon as practicable; and

• the taxpayer made the payment as soon as practicable.

The order expires on 31 January 2017.