New Zealand’s minimum wage is officially rising to $23.95 in April 2026. See how this affects your paycheck and local businesses.

Kiwis on the grind, listen up! The government has officially confirmed the 2026 annual minimum wage review, and your hourly rate is getting a bump. Starting April 1, 2026, the adult minimum wage will rise to $23.95 per hour, an increase of 45 cents from the current rate.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden stated that the move aims to “strike a balance” between helping 122,500 workers keep up with the cost of living without crippling small businesses. For a full-timer, that’s about an extra $936 a year before tax. Training and starting-out wages are also jumping to $19.16 per hour. While every cent counts in this economy, local business owners are being urged to prep their payrolls now to avoid the April Fools’ Day rush!