If you’ve been watching the headlines, you may have noticed New Zealand’s minimum wage is set to change on 1 April 2026. The new adult rate climbs to $23.95 per hour—a modest but meaningful step for the roughly 122,500 workers it will touch. Below, you’ll find the exact rates broken down by age and employment type, backed by government sources, so there’s no guesswork involved.

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Adult minimum wage from 1 April 2026: $23.95 per hour ·
Previous adult rate: $23.50 per hour ·
Affected workers: Around 122,500

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of workers on starting-out/training rates
  • Sector-specific enforcement details
  • Whether 2027 rates will follow a similar trajectory
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Employers must update payroll systems before 1 April
  • Workers can verify applicable rates via Employment NZ

Key figures for New Zealand’s minimum wage as of the upcoming April change appear in the table below.

Label Value
Adult rate Apr 2026 $23.95/hour
Starting-out/training rate $19.16/hour
Under 16 eligibility None
Announcement date Dec 2025
Workers impacted 122,500

What is the minimum wage in NZ per hour?

New Zealand sets a single nationwide minimum wage with no regional variations. The rate you receive depends on your age, your role, and whether you’re in a training programme.

Adult minimum wage rates

The adult minimum wage applies to all employees aged 16 and over who aren’t classified as starting-out or training workers. From 1 April 2026, the rate rises to $23.95 per hour (Employment NZ official announcement). The previous rate of $23.50 per hour applied from 1 April 2025, meaning this increase adds 45 cents per hour to the base rate (Calculate.co.nz historical breakdown).

Starting-out and training rates

Two lower rates exist for specific groups. The starting-out rate applies to workers aged 16 or 17 during their first six months of continuous employment with the same employer. The training rate covers employees aged 20 and over who are enrolled in a recognised industry training programme worth at least 60 credits per year. Both rates sit at 80% of the adult minimum wage (MBIE minimum wage review PDF).

Changes effective 1 April 2026

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recommended a 2% increase, which resulted in the $23.95 figure. MBIE also considered a 1.5% option that would have set the rate at $23.85, but the government opted for the higher figure (MBIE review document). All rates are before tax and lawful deductions such as PAYE, student loans, or child support.

The implication: New Zealand’s minimum wage follows an annual adjustment cycle tied to economic indicators, meaning this rate will likely change again in 2027. Workers on the starting-out or training rates should plan for the transition to full adult rates once their qualifying period ends.

What is the minimum wage in NZ for a 16 year old?

Age determines which rate applies, and there are distinct rules for workers under 18.

Rates for 16-17 year olds

If you’re 16 or 17 and newly employed, you may qualify for the starting-out rate of $19.16 per hour from 1 April 2026. This rate applies only during your first six months of continuous employment with the same employer (Calculate.co.nz eligibility guide). After six months, you move to the adult rate of $23.95 per hour.

Starting-out wage details

The starting-out rate is set at 80% of the adult minimum wage by government policy. This percentage has remained consistent through multiple annual reviews. To qualify, you must be genuinely new to the role—switching employers resets the clock if you’ve already completed six months with a previous employer.

Differences from adult rate

The gap between starting-out ($19.16) and adult ($23.95) rates is $4.79 per hour. For a full-time 40-hour week, that translates to $191.60 less gross pay before any deductions. Workers aged 16-17 should confirm their employer has correctly applied the starting-out rate and track their employment duration to know when the adult rate kicks in.

What this means: If you’re a 16-year-old working part-time, you’re legally entitled to $19.16 per hour. Once you hit the six-month mark with the same employer, your pay must increase to $23.95 per hour—check your next pay slip to confirm the correct rate.

No minimum wage under 16

Children under 16 have no statutory minimum wage in New Zealand. However, work rights still apply, and employers must meet other workplace safety and Hours of Work Act requirements regardless of age.

What is the minimum wage NZ 2026?

The 2026 rates represent the latest step in New Zealand’s annual minimum wage review process.

Announced increases

The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety announced the 2026 changes in late 2025. The adult minimum wage increases by 45 cents to $23.95 per hour, a rise of approximately 1.9% from the 2025 rate of $23.50 (Business.govt.nz official confirmation). The starting-out and training rates increase from $18.80 to $19.16 per hour.

Impact on workers

For a full-time worker on 40 hours per week, the increase adds roughly $18 per week before tax, or approximately $936 per year (Adecco impact analysis). The change is expected to benefit around 122,500 workers across the country, according to recruitment industry estimates.

Government sources

All rates are published by Employment New Zealand and confirmed by MBIE’s annual review process. Employers can find detailed guidance on the Employment New Zealand website, including information about which rate applies to specific worker categories.

The pattern: Minimum wage increases in New Zealand follow the MBIE recommendation submitted to the Minister, who makes the final decision. The effective date is always 1 April, aligning with the financial year.

What is 40 hours minimum wage in NZ?

Understanding the annual and weekly equivalents helps workers and employers budget accordingly.

Weekly or monthly calculations

At the adult rate of $23.95 per hour, a standard 40-hour week earns $958 gross before deductions. Over a full year (52 weeks), that totals approximately $49,816 gross income (Calculate.co.nz salary calculator). Monthly gross at this rate averages $4,151.

Full-time assumptions

The 40-hour figure represents the standard full-time week in New Zealand, though actual hours may vary by industry and employment agreement. The minimum wage applies to all hours worked, including overtime—there’s no separate overtime rate mandated at the minimum wage level.

Per month equivalents

For workers paid monthly, the minimum wage translates to approximately $4,151 gross per month at the adult rate. After tax (depending on tax code and personal circumstances), net pay would be lower. Use the IRD’s payday tax calculator for precise estimates based on your individual situation.

The catch: These calculations are gross figures. The $49,816 annual amount doesn’t account for PAYE, KiwiSaver contributions, student loan deductions, or child support. Net take-home pay could be substantially lower depending on your personal tax code and deductions.

Why this matters

A worker earning $23.95/hour full-time takes home roughly $39,000-$42,000 annually after tax—well below the $49,816 gross figure often quoted. Understanding the net pay difference matters when budgeting or comparing salaries.

Is $27 an hour good pay in NZ?

At $27 per hour, you’re above the 2026 minimum but still below New Zealand’s living wage.

Compared to minimum wage

At $27 per hour, you earn $3.05 more than the minimum wage adult rate of $23.95. This positions you roughly 12.7% above the statutory floor. For a full-time worker, that translates to about $120 more gross per week compared to someone on minimum wage.

Average salaries context

Median full-time earnings in New Zealand vary by industry, but $27 per hour ($56,160 annually) sits in the lower-to-mid range for many sectors. Roles in trades, healthcare support, and specialised administration often start around this level (MoneyHub NZ salary data).

Living wage reference

The living wage rate (calculated by the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa) stands at $28.95 per hour—$5 more than minimum wage and $1.95 above the $27 figure. Earning $27 per hour means you’re still $1.95 short of what the Living Wage Movement considers necessary for a decent standard of living (Calculate.co.nz comparison data).

The trade-off: $27 per hour is above minimum wage and provides a meaningful buffer, but it doesn’t automatically translate to financial comfort. Housing costs, particularly in Auckland and Wellington, can consume a significant portion of earnings at this rate. Workers earning $27 should assess whether their current expenses fit comfortably within their net pay.

The table below summarises minimum wage rates by category, effective from 1 April 2026.

Minimum wage rates in New Zealand, effective 1 April 2026
Category Hourly rate (NZD) Who qualifies Source
Adult $23.95 Employees 16+ not starting-out or training Employment NZ
Starting-out $19.16 16-17 year olds, first 6 months of employment MBIE Review
Training $19.16 20+ on recognised training programme (60+ credits/year) MBIE Review
Under 16 No minimum wage No statutory entitlement Employment NZ

Confirmed facts

  • Adult rate: $23.95/hour from 1 April 2026 (tier1, multiple sources)
  • Starting-out/training rate: $19.16/hour (80% of adult)
  • Workers affected: approximately 122,500
  • No minimum wage applies to workers under 16
  • Rates are uniform nationwide with no regional variations

What’s unclear

  • Exact count of workers on starting-out/training rates
  • Post-2026 rate trajectory
  • Sector-specific enforcement data

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.

— Employment New Zealand official announcement

MBIE recommends increasing the adult minimum wage rate by 2 percent to $23.95 per hour on 1 April 2026. Starting-out and training rates will remain at 80% of the adult rate, equalling $19.16 per hour.

— Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment minimum wage review

This is expected to benefit around 122,500 workers nationwide. For a full-time 40-hour-per-week employee, the increase adds $18 per week, or $936 per year before tax.

— Adecco New Zealand minimum wage update

Related reading: Best Payroll Software for Restaurants · Westpac Bonus Saver Interest Rate

Additional sources

peninsulagrouplimited.co.nz, immigrationxperts.com, y-axis.com, cab.org.nz

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Frequently asked questions

What is the lowest salary in New Zealand?

There is no single “lowest salary” figure. The minimum wage sets the floor at $23.95 per hour for adult workers (from 1 April 2026), equating to roughly $49,816 gross annually for full-time work. Workers under 16 have no statutory minimum, and those on starting-out or training rates earn $19.16 per hour.

How much is $100,000 after tax in NZ?

Using the IRD’s 2026 tax tables, a $100,000 salary after tax comes to approximately $71,000-$73,000 depending on your tax code, KiwiSaver contributions, and other deductions. Use the IRD’s payday tax calculator or a reputable payroll service for an exact figure based on your circumstances.

What jobs pay $50 an hour in NZ?

Jobs paying around $50 per hour include experienced tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, builders), senior healthcare professionals, certain IT specialists, and management roles in high-demand sectors. Many of these positions require specific qualifications or several years of experience. The $50/hour figure is roughly double the minimum wage adult rate.

What is the 92 day rule in New Zealand?

The 92-day rule relates to trial periods for new employees. Employers can include a 90-day trial period in employment agreements for new staff (some agreements extend this slightly). During this period, either party can end employment with notice without certain protections applying. This is separate from minimum wage rates but relevant to new worker conditions.

What is the minimum wage in New Zealand for foreigners?

Foreign workers in New Zealand are entitled to the same minimum wage as citizens and residents. Employers must pay at least the applicable minimum wage rate ($23.95/hour for adults from April 2026) regardless of the worker’s nationality or visa status. This applies to all legal workers in New Zealand.

Is $70,000 a good salary in New Zealand?

$70,000 annually (approximately $33.65/hour) sits well above the minimum wage and exceeds the median full-time earnings in most regions. For a single worker, this level provides comfortable coverage of basic expenses in most areas, though Auckland housing costs may still require careful budgeting. As a household income, $70,000 may be moderate depending on family size and location.

Is $27 an hour a living wage in NZ?

No. The living wage rate (calculated by the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa) is $28.95 per hour as of 2026. At $27 per hour, you earn $1.95 less than the living wage and approximately $5 more than the statutory minimum. The living wage represents what is considered necessary for a decent standard of living, including participation in community life.

For employers preparing for the 1 April 2026 changes, the priority is straightforward: confirm which rate applies to each worker, update payroll systems before the effective date, and ensure all staff receive at least the statutory minimum. Workers who believe they’re being underpaid can contact Employment New Zealand for guidance or file a Pay and Hours enquiry. The rates apply nationwide with no regional exceptions, so whether you’re in Auckland or Invercargill, the floor remains $23.95 per hour for adult workers.