When does the minimum wage go up? Will it increase in 2027?
The minimum wage is reviewed every year and usually changes on 1 April. The 2027 rates will only be known when the Government announces them. Check the Employment New Zealand website for the latest rates. The last increase took the adult minimum wage from NZ$23.50 to NZ$23.95 an hour.
Official figures
- Adult minimum wage
- NZ$23.95 an hour (before tax), or NZ$958 for a 40-hour week; applies from 1 April 20261
- Starting-out and training minimum wage
- NZ$19.16 an hour (before tax), or NZ$766.40 for a 40-hour week1
- Who can be paid the starting-out wage
- Workers aged 16 or 17 who have worked for their current employer for less than 6 months in a row; or workers aged 16 to 19 whose employment agreement requires them to complete at least 40 credits of industry training a year; or workers aged 18 or 19 who have received a specified benefit for 6 months or more in a row (and have not worked for the same employer for 6 months in a row since starting the benefit)1
- Who can be paid the training wage
- Workers aged 20 or over whose employment agreement requires them to complete at least 60 credits of industry training a year (usually apprentices)1
- Who is not covered by the minimum wage
- There is no minimum wage for workers under 16. There are also a few other exceptions, such as prisoners and disabled workers with an exemption permit1
Official sources
- Minimum wage rates and typesEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Creating an employment agreementEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Trial periodsEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Record-keepingEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Minimum wage and employment agreements →
People also ask
- What is the minimum wage in New Zealand right now?
- My employer pays me NZ$20 an hour. Is that legal?
- I'm 17 and my employer says I only get the starting-out wage. Is that right?
- My employer told me to start work before signing a contract. Is that allowed?
- Can I complain if I was dismissed during a 90-day trial period?
- I'm on an AEWV work visa. Can my employer give me a 90-day trial period?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
How does this apply to me?
Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.
Share after you sign in with Google and your link will carry your invite code: when a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions. You can still share without signing in — it just won’t earn anything.Your link includes your invite code. When a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions (up to 10 friends).
Tap “···” at the top right to send to a friend or share to Moments