{"id":1904,"date":"2020-12-22T13:35:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T03:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nz.legalvision.com.au\/?p=1904"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:51:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T01:51:39","slug":"minimum-wage-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/business-sale-and-purchase\/employees-sale-of-business\/\">employ staff<\/a> who are 16 years or older in New Zealand, the law requires you to pay them at least the minimum wage. Employees are entitled to minimum wage even if they only work part-time or on a casual basis. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions and instances in which you can pay them a lower minimum wage rate. Similarly, you can also pay your workers a higher rate, though this must be agreed upon in the employment contract between you and your worker. Hence, as an employer, it is crucial that you understand your obligations under the minimum wage legislation to help you avoid potential legal disputes. This article will help you understand your legal obligations as an employer regarding minimum wage payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are the Minimum Wage Rates in New Zealand?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The minimum wage is the lowest remuneration you must pay your employees for their work. This is regardless of your employees\u2019 <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/reviewing-employment-agreement\/\">employment type<\/a>. Further, the minimum wage applies regardless of the number of hours your employee works for you. To qualify for the minimum wage, your employees must be at least 16 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The three different types of minimum wage rates in New Zealand are the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>adult minimum wage;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>starting-out minimum wage; and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>training minimum wage.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>As an employer, you need to understand the differences between these rates to avoid <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/dismissing-an-employee\/\">potential legal disputes<\/a> with your employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Migrant workers also have the same employment rights as New Zealand workers. This means that if you employ a migrant worker, they are still entitled to be paid the minimum wage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1<strong>1. Adult Minimum Wage&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your employees are 16 years or older and do not meet either of the two categories below, you have to pay them the adult minimum wage. The adult minimum wage will be $23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026. The New Zealand government publishes minimum wage increases annually on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/hours-and-wages\/pay\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates\/\">Employment New Zealand website<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Starting-Out Minimum Wage&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use the starting-out minimum <a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.nz\/hourly-rate-calculator-nz.html\">wage rate<\/a> for your workers if they fall under any of the following categories.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>16 or 17 years of age but have not worked for you for six uninterrupted months.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>18 or 19 years of age but have been receiving a social security benefit for longer than six months. Additionally, these employees, since they started receiving the benefit, have not worked for you for a continuous six-month period.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>19 years old or younger, but their employment agreement with you states they have to undertake recognised industry training. Your employee may have to undertake industry training to become qualified in the area they are working in. This industry training must equate to at least 40 credits a year.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To assess whether your workers meet the six months of continuous employment requirement, you need to determine:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>your employee\u2019s first day of work; and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the next six calendar months from this date.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In this assessment, you must include any time your employee worked before they turned 16. You also need to factor in any leave they took, whether paid or unpaid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Training Minimum Wage&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use the training minimum wage if your employee:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>is 20 years or older; and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>their employment agreement states that they have to complete an industry-related programme. This is most common where your employee wishes to become qualified in the area they are working in.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The training minimum wage as of 1 April 2026 will be $19.16 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Apply for a Minimum Wage Exception?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As an employer, you can apply for an exemption if you want to take on an employee with a disability. In this instance, you may think it is appropriate to pay them less than the minimum wage. To apply, you can contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/about\/contact-us\/\">Employment Service Centre<\/a> and lodge a referral to the Labour Inspectorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you employ workers in the agricultural sector, you may provide them with other benefits as part of their employment, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>accommodation; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>other goods and services.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, you need to agree with your employees beforehand regarding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>what you will provide; and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>how much you will deduct from your employee\u2019s wages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"not-prose\">0800 005 570<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework lawyer-form_wrapper gplaceholder_wrapper form-with-labels-no-asterisks_wrapper has-new-validation-error-styling_wrapper' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_2452' style='display:none'><div id='gf_2452' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_2452' id='gform_2452' class='lawyer-form gplaceholder form-with-labels-no-asterisks has-new-validation-error-styling' action='\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904#gf_2452' data-formid='2452' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_2452' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_2452_15\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_15'>Comments<\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_15' id='input_2452_15' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_2452_15'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_1'>First Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_1' id='input_2452_1' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_12\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_12'>Last Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_12' id='input_2452_12' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_2'>Email Address<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_2' id='input_2452_2' type='email' value='' class='medium'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--input-type-phone gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_3'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_3' id='input_2452_3' type='tel' value='' class='medium'   aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_14\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full custom-select gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_14'>Number of Employees in Your Business<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_14' id='input_2452_14' class='large gfield_select'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" ><option value='' ><\/option><option value='0' >0<\/option><option value='1' >1-5<\/option><option value='6' >6-20<\/option><option value='21' >21-50<\/option><option value='51' >51-250<\/option><option value='250' >250+<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--input-type-textarea gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2452_4'>Tell us about your enquiry<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_4' id='input_2452_4' class='textarea medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_5\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-html gfield--input-type-html gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  >By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails from LegalVision and can unsubscribe at any time. View our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. <\/div><div id=\"field_2452_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_2452_8' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='http:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2452_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_13' id='input_2452_13' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='generic_form' \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <button type=\"submit\" id=\"gform_submit_button_2452\" class=\"gform_button button\" onclick=\"gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);\" data-submission-type=\"submit\"><span class=\"gform_submit_button__text\">Submit Now<\/span><\/button> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=2452&amp;title=&amp;description=&amp;tabindex=0&amp;theme=gravity-theme&amp;hash=8d907caff460821c366ed2411b0c45b3' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_2452' value='iframe' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_2452' id='gform_theme_2452' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_2452' id='gform_style_settings_2452' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_2452' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='2452' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='AUD' value='4NuyKCRzYf+Ums3ZuA4Tkx\/uN4Ole3Q1ebZVfe3YenIdEYBEs1UXQaPkO9e9x7kFl7wuXALwiuLx9IPmhldFB3P3OMg7MDAw1YoGbNj9HRfqRrc=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_2452' value='WyJ7XCIxNFwiOltcIjIyODY0N2ViMWU3NTcxZjA4YTY4NGJmMDcwMTk3Y2I0XCIsXCJiMzk3YmQ1MDBmMmFjNjk1ODE4MzdmNTBhYTA2MzQ0OFwiLFwiNGYyNGZkZGEwMzlkNDUxMWFhZGE1NGYwZmQwZmNiZTdcIixcIjUyMmJkMDE2M2I2ZmEwOTI3NDZhZjU5YTg0ZmM1NDk5XCIsXCIzODRlNjk1YjQxMTAzMWFiYmQ2ODEyMGYyZWFhMDYyNlwiLFwiYjkzNDcwNTE2MjkxOGRjZWViMjQzNzRjNmE0NGVmNTlcIixcIjQxMTliODZhMzVjYzJiMWViNDZiMmQ4NjRlNGUzZmNjXCJdfSIsIjQ3MjNiMzA2ZDIyZGVkODA2N2YyMjYyOThkYzI1ODVmIl0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_2452' id='gform_target_page_number_2452' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_2452' id='gform_source_page_number_2452' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div>\n\t\t                <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_2452' id='gform_ajax_frame_2452' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'><\/iframe>\n\t\t                <script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 2452, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_2452').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_2452');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2452').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_2452').val();gformInitSpinner( 2452, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [2452, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_2452'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2452').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_2452').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [2452]);window['gf_submitting_2452'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_2452').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_2452').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"2452\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_2452\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_2452\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_2452\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 2452, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-next\"><!-- scroll anchor --><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Calculate Minimum Wage <strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The wage you owe your employees depends on their employment type. For your salaried employees, you should divide their pay by the number of hours they work. You should check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/\">Employment New Zealand<\/a> website for wage earners to ensure their hourly rate is at least the minimum wage. This includes any extra hours they work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several other considerations. For example, if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>You have agreed to a higher rate with your employees:<\/strong> In this instance, you must pay them the rate stated in their employment agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Your employees meet the starting-out criteria: <\/strong>In which case, you have to pay them at least the minimum starting-out wage rate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You employ trainees over 20 years of age: <\/strong>In this scenario, you must pay them at least the training minimum wage rate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Commission or Piece Rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important that if you have any employees who are being paid on piece rates or commission, you still pay them the minimum wage. As such, your employee\u2019s rates of commission or piece rates cannot be lower than the minimum wage. This is in reference to the minimum wage your employee is entitled to for each hour of work. If these rates are lower than the minimum wage, this will be considered unlawful.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"my-7 lg:my-10 border-y-2 border-gray-100 py-7 lg:py-10 flex flex-col sm:flex-row items-start gap-10\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-52 mx-auto my-0! rounded\" src=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/12\/13140122\/hourly-rate-calculator-nz-560.jpg\" alt=\"Front page of publication\"\n                 loading=\"lazy\" width=\"208\" height=\"298\">\n                <section>\n            <div class=\"text-2xl font-bold\">Hourly Rate Calculator<\/div>\n            <div class=\"body-text\">\n                <p>When you run a services business, your main product is your knowledge. Time is money, and you are keen to charge an hourly rate that reflects your expertise. But how much is your time worth? This free Hourly Rates Calculator will help you put a price on your time.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            \n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/go.legalvision.co.nz\/hourly-rate-calculator-nz.html\" class=\" block px-5 py-3.5 max-w-fit bg-orange button__hover transition rounded text-white font-bold text-lg no-underline uppercase leading-tight text-center\" target=\"\" rel=\"\">Download Now<\/a>        <\/section>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you employ workers over 16 in New Zealand, you are legally obligated to pay them at least the minimum wage for any work. This is regardless of their employment type and the total number of hours they work. You can pay a lower rate in several instances. However, your employees must meet the starting-out or training eligibility criteria. As such, you should always check the Employment New Zealand website to ensure you use the most current rates. It is important to check the current rates, as they typically increase yearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need any help determining how much to pay your staff, LegalVision provides ongoing legal support for all businesses through our fixed-fee legal membership. Our experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment-lawyers-lp\">employment lawyers<\/a> help businesses across industries manage contracts, employment law, disputes, intellectual property, and more, with unlimited access to specialist lawyers for a fixed monthly fee. To learn more about LegalVision\u2019s legal membership, call <a href=\"tel:+64800005570\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0800 005 570<\/a> or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/membership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visit our membership page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774230526992\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I have to pay minimum wage to all employees?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. You must pay at least the minimum wage to all employees aged 16 or over, including part-time and casual workers. This obligation applies regardless of hours worked or employment type.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774230549665\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I pay less than the minimum wage?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Only in limited cases. You can pay a starting-out or training wage if employees meet strict eligibility criteria. Otherwise, paying below the minimum wage breaches New Zealand employment law.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774230561366\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do migrant workers have the same minimum wage rights?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Migrant workers have the same employment rights as local employees. You must pay them at least the applicable minimum wage and comply with all minimum wage laws.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774230573544\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Does minimum wage apply to commission or piece rates?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. You must ensure commission or piece rates are equal to at least the minimum wage for each hour worked. If earnings fall below this level, you must top up the difference.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"ed19fd34f0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you employ staff who are 16 years or older in New Zealand, the law requires you to pay them at least the minimum wage. Employees are entitled to minimum wage even if they only work part-time or on a casual basis. Nevertheless, there are some exceptions and instances in which you can pay them<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13518,"featured_media":78,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"202966,219097,1639,202036,1288,1205","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[24,25,54,161,324,336],"class_list":["post-1904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment","tag-startup","tag-small-business","tag-medium-business","tag-employment","tag-employer-obligations","tag-minimum-wage"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When you employ staff in New Zealand, you are required by law to pay them at least the minimum wage. This article sets out what that means.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When you employ staff in New Zealand, you are required by law to pay them at least the minimum wage. This article sets out what that means.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LegalVision New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-12-22T03:35:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-23T01:51:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1254\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"836\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Natalie Casey-wyness\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Natalie Casey-wyness\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Natalie Casey-wyness\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc\"},\"headline\":\"What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-22T03:35:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-23T01:51:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\"},\"wordCount\":1226,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"startup\",\"small business\",\"medium business\",\"employment\",\"employer obligations\",\"minimum wage\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Employment Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\",\"name\":\"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-22T03:35:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-23T01:51:39+00:00\",\"description\":\"When you employ staff in New Zealand, you are required by law to pay them at least the minimum wage. This article sets out what that means.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230526992\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230549665\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230561366\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230573544\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg\",\"width\":1254,\"height\":836,\"caption\":\"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Employment Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/category\/employment\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/\",\"name\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\",\"description\":\"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in NZ with a commitment to innovation\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization\",\"name\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png\",\"width\":400,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/LegalVision_law\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/legalvision-group\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc\",\"name\":\"Natalie Casey-wyness\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png\",\"caption\":\"Natalie Casey-wyness\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/author\/nataliecaseywyness\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230526992\",\"name\":\"Do I have to pay minimum wage to all employees?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. You must pay at least the minimum wage to all employees aged 16 or over, including part-time and casual workers. This obligation applies regardless of hours worked or employment type.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230549665\",\"name\":\"Can I pay less than the minimum wage?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Only in limited cases. You can pay a starting-out or training wage if employees meet strict eligibility criteria. Otherwise, paying below the minimum wage breaches New Zealand employment law.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230561366\",\"name\":\"Do migrant workers have the same minimum wage rights?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Migrant workers have the same employment rights as local employees. You must pay them at least the applicable minimum wage and comply with all minimum wage laws.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230573544\",\"name\":\"Does minimum wage apply to commission or piece rates?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. You must ensure commission or piece rates are equal to at least the minimum wage for each hour worked. If earnings fall below this level, you must top up the difference.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ","description":"When you employ staff in New Zealand, you are required by law to pay them at least the minimum wage. This article sets out what that means.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ","og_description":"When you employ staff in New Zealand, you are required by law to pay them at least the minimum wage. This article sets out what that means.","og_url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/","og_site_name":"LegalVision New Zealand","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","article_published_time":"2020-12-22T03:35:56+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-23T01:51:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1254,"height":836,"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Natalie Casey-wyness","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_site":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Natalie Casey-wyness","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/"},"author":{"name":"Natalie Casey-wyness","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc"},"headline":"What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?","datePublished":"2020-12-22T03:35:56+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-23T01:51:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/"},"wordCount":1226,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg","keywords":["startup","small business","medium business","employment","employer obligations","minimum wage"],"articleSection":["Employment Articles"],"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/","name":"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg","datePublished":"2020-12-22T03:35:56+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-23T01:51:39+00:00","description":"When you employ staff in New Zealand, you are required by law to pay them at least the minimum wage. This article sets out what that means.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230526992"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230549665"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230561366"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230573544"}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/iStock-577310338.jpg","width":1254,"height":836,"caption":"What Is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand? | LegalVision NZ"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Employment Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/category\/employment\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"What is the Minimum Wage in NZ?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/","name":"LegalVision New Zealand","description":"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in NZ with a commitment to innovation","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization","name":"LegalVision New Zealand","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png","width":400,"height":400,"caption":"LegalVision New Zealand"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","https:\/\/x.com\/LegalVision_law","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/legalvision-group"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/d5feb46f79dfb2915413528a527da0dc","name":"Natalie Casey-wyness","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/07\/Natalie-Casey-Wyness-96x96.png","caption":"Natalie Casey-wyness"},"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/author\/nataliecaseywyness\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230526992","name":"Do I have to pay minimum wage to all employees?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. You must pay at least the minimum wage to all employees aged 16 or over, including part-time and casual workers. This obligation applies regardless of hours worked or employment type.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230549665","name":"Can I pay less than the minimum wage?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Only in limited cases. You can pay a starting-out or training wage if employees meet strict eligibility criteria. Otherwise, paying below the minimum wage breaches New Zealand employment law.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230561366","name":"Do migrant workers have the same minimum wage rights?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Migrant workers have the same employment rights as local employees. You must pay them at least the applicable minimum wage and comply with all minimum wage laws.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/employment\/minimum-wage-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1774230573544","name":"Does minimum wage apply to commission or piece rates?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. You must ensure commission or piece rates are equal to at least the minimum wage for each hour worked. If earnings fall below this level, you must top up the difference.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13518"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1904"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":230202,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1904\/revisions\/230202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/78"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}