Minimum wage to rise on 1 April

The minimum wage will increase from 1 April 2010. The adult minimum wage will increase to $12.75 from $12.50 per hour.

The new entrants’ minimum wage and training minimum wage will increase to $10.20 an hour. These were both previously $10.00 an hour.

Department of Labour Head of Employment Relations Lesley Haines reminds employers that they need to ensure rates of pay for affected workers are adjusted in line with the change.

All employees aged 16 years or more must be paid the statutory minimum wage. Any employee who believes they are being underpaid can seek information from the Department of Labour who can then assist them to resolve a formal complaint if they have one.

For further clarification, more detailed information or guidance on the minimum wage, please visit http://ers.govt.nz/pay/minimum.html