The minimum wage is set to increase to $21.20 per hour from 1 April 2022.
Govt increasing wages for lowest paid workers – Beehive.govt.nz(external link)
The current minimum wage rates (before tax) are as at 1 April 2021. They apply to employees aged 16 years or over.
| Type of minimum wage | Per hour | 8 hour day | 40 hour week | 80 hour fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $20.00 | $160.00 | $800.00 | $1600.00 |
| Starting-out | $16.00 | $128.00 | $640.00 | $1280.00 |
| Training | $16.00 | $128.00 | $640.00 | $1280.00 |
Employees must be paid at least the minimum hourly wage rate for every hour worked. Anyone who thinks they are being paid less than the minimum wage should report this to us by calling 0800 20 90 20, where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.
Migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. This includes being paid at least the minimum wage. You can report it to us if you or someone you know is being exploited in the workplace.
Find out more about minimum wage rates:
Different types of minimum wage rates
Exceptions and exemptions
There are some exceptions to the application of the Minimum Wage Act 1983. And a small number of people with a disability hold an exemption permit from the minimum wage.
Minimum wage exemption for people with a disability
Paying employees under 16
There is no minimum wage for employees under 16 but all the other minimum standards and employment rights and obligations apply. When an employee turns 16, they must be paid the relevant minimum wage.
Exceptions to the Minimum Wage Act 1983
The Minimum Wage Act 1983 doesn’t apply to:
- apprentices covered under any other Act
- inmates of any charitable institution (who aren’t living there just because they’re employees) who do any work as inmates
- prisoners working while in custody under the Corrections Act 2004. They may be paid at a rate approved by the Minister of Corrections
- employees who travel between clients (in relation to travel only) as covered by the Home and Community Support (Payment for Travel Between Clients) Settlement Act 2016(external link)