Minimum wage set for 2026

The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister has announced that the adult minimum wage will be rising to $23.95 per hour from 1 April 2026. This is an increase of 45 cents per hour from the current hourly rate of $23.50.

The training and starting-out minimum wages will also both increase to $19.16 per hour, remaining at 80% of the adult minimum wage. This is a rise from the current minimum rate of $18.80 per hour.

An employee working 40 hours per week on the adult minimum wage will earn an extra $18 per week or $936 per annum (before tax) compared to the current minimum wage.

Around 122,500 New Zealand workers currently earning below the new minimum wage rates should get an increase in their pay packets as a result of the change in the minimum wage.

Read the Minister’s announcement here:

Minimum wage increase balances business and worker needs(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

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