Labour Minister Simon Bridges today announced the minimum
wage is to rise to $13.75 an hour.
This is a 25 cent increase on the current wage of $13.50, and
follows calls for the wage to rise to $15 an hour.
The training and new entrants' minimum wages will increase
from $10.80 to $11, which is 80 per cent of the adult minimum
wage.
"Setting these wage rates represents a careful balance
between protecting low paid workers and ensuring jobs are not
lost as the economic recovery gains pace."
He said the Government was firmly focussed on growing the
economy and boosting incomes.
"Through our Business Growth Agenda we are creating
opportunities to help grow more jobs in New Zealand, for New
Zealanders," said Mr Bridges.
The new minimum wage rates will come into effect on 1 April.
Labour labour spokeswoman Darien Fenton has called on the
wage to be lifted to $15 an hour.
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