New Zealand increases minimum wage

Those of you who are moving to New Zealand later this year may find a little extra in their pay packet once you find a job.

The country’s Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Michael Woodhouse, has announced that the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to NZ$15.75 an hour on 1st April 2017.

The starting-out and training hourly minimum wage rates will also increase from NZ$12.20 to NZ$12.60 per hour, remaining at 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage.

“The Government is committed to striking the right balance between protecting our lowest paid workers and ensuring jobs are not lost,” said Minister Woodhouse, who also serves as the country’s Immigration Minister.

“An increase to NZ$15.75 will benefit approximately 119,500 workers and will increase wages throughout the economy by NZ$65 million per year.”

Woodhouse continued: “At a time when annual inflation is 0.4 per cent, a 3.3 per cent increase to the minimum wage will give our lowest paid workers more money in their pockets, without hindering job growth or imposing undue pressure on businesses.

“Annual increases to the minimum wage since 2009 reflect this Government’s commitment to growing the economy, boosting incomes and supporting job growth throughout New Zealand.”

Article published 24th January 2017