Minimum Wage increase from 1st April 2026

Written By Nicola Ermens

Minimum Wage has increased from 1st April 2026

If you are an employer, business owner, or manager, now is a good time to make sure you are prepared for these changes.

From 1 April 2026:

  • Adult minimum wage: increases from NZD$23.50 to NZD$23.95 per hour

  • Starting-out and training minimum wage: increases from NZD$18.80 to NZD$19.16 per hour.

All rates are before tax and before any lawful deductions (such as PAYE, student loan repayments, or child support).

Take this opportunity to review your business processes, employment records and systems.

  • Check that your payroll system is ready and updated for the 1 April changes, whether you have a manual or computer-based system.

  • Re-calculate and update your budgets and cashflow as the increase may have an impact, including on items such as ACC levies, KiwiSaver contributions and holiday pay.

  • Check if you need to adjust other pay rates to keep things fair.

  • Consider reviewing your pricing strategy. 

Nicola Ermens
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