NZ Minimum Wage 2026 — $23.95/hour (Guide)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Minimum Wage Act 1983 sets the legal pay floor, and the Government reviews it every year with a new Minimum Wage Order taking effect on 1 April. From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage is $23.95 per hour (before tax), up 45 cents from $23.50. The starting-out and training minimum wages are $19.16 per hour (80% of the adult rate) and apply only in defined situations.
The minimum applies to almost all employees, including part-time and casual. A common trap is the salaried worker whose long hours push their effective hourly rate below the minimum — that's unlawful. Unpaid "trial" work and unpaid training time can also breach the Act. If you're underpaid, the Labour Inspectorate can investigate and recover arrears. (Rate current at 1 April 2026 — re-verify before relying on it.)
When does it apply?
- You're an employee paid by the hour, salary, or piece rate.
- Your effective hourly pay (salary ÷ hours worked) drops below the minimum.
- You're asked to work unpaid trials or training.
What to do if you're paid below minimum wage
- Work out your effective hourly rate from your actual hours.
- Raise underpayment with your employer in writing first.
- Contact Employment NZ (0800 20 90 20) or the Labour Inspectorate to recover arrears.
- Check the current rate on employment.govt.nz, as it changes each 1 April.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept unpaid "trials" beyond a genuine, brief work assessment.
- Don't assume a salary covers unlimited hours — the effective rate must stay above the minimum.
- Don't rely on an old rate — it rises each April.
About Workers' Rights in New Zealand
New Zealand employment law rests on the Employment Relations Act 2000 (good faith, personal grievances, bargaining), the Minimum Wage Act 1983, the Holidays Act 2003 (4 weeks' annual leave, public holidays, sick leave) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Most disputes start with free mediation through Employment New Zealand, then go to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA). The big deadline to remember is the 90-day window to raise a personal grievance.
Rates current as at 1 April 2026 — re-verify on employment.govt.nz before relying on them. Employment NZ: 0800 20 90 20. WorkSafe: 0800 030 040.
Common Questions
What is the minimum wage right in New Zealand?
The Minimum Wage Act 1983 sets the legal pay floor, and the Government reviews it every year with a new Minimum Wage Order taking effect on 1 April. From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage is $23.95 per hour (before tax), up 45 cents from $23.50. The starting-out and training minimum wages are $19.16 per hour (80% of the adult rate) and apply only in defined situations.The minimum applies to almost all employees, including part-time and casual. A common trap is the salaried worker whose long hours push their effective hourly rate below the minimum — that's unlawful. Unpaid "trial"...
When does it apply — minimum wage?
You're an employee paid by the hour, salary, or piece rate.Your effective hourly pay (salary ÷ hours worked) drops below the minimum.You're asked to work unpaid trials or training.
What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?
Work out your effective hourly rate from your actual hours.Raise underpayment with your employer in writing first.Contact Employment NZ (0800 20 90 20) or the Labour Inspectorate to recover arrears.Check the current rate on employment.govt.nz, as it changes each 1 April.
What should you NOT do — minimum wage?
Don't accept unpaid "trials" beyond a genuine, brief work assessment.Don't assume a salary covers unlimited hours — the effective rate must stay above the minimum.Don't rely on an old rate — it rises each April.