Become A Member
Could your community group, faith group or union get behind...
- securing the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life
- encouraging and promote the development of better policies for working people
- raising public awareness and understanding of the issues associated with low income workers
- developing the capacity and skills of our members to support and advocate for low waged workers?
If so, you should register your organisation's interest in joining the Living Wage Movement
We believe in working together across civil society, for the common good. Member organisations must be a faith-based religious group; a union; or a community/secular group.
Member organisations pay annual fees to maintain our independence, and fund the resource it takes to build a transformational campaign.
Fill in this form, and we'll be in touch about how your organisation can join our Movement.
Why should my organisation join the Living Wage Movement?
Through working together, member organisations have the power to win the Living Wage in workplaces and industries across Aotearoa.
We've seen that in the last ten years, we we've worked together to make the Living Wage the benchmark for decent wages in New Zealand.
Member organisation representation is shown in every aspect of our organisation – our public events, local networks, and decision-making structures.
It's an intentional action and statement to show that your organisation or group wants to lift working people and their families out of poverty.
Sign upFill in this form, and we'll be in touch about how your organisation can join our Movement.
Become a Living Wage Employer
If you’re thinking of becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer, well done! You’re on the way to transforming lives, enhancing your business and positively impacting our economy.
Living Wage accreditation has an impact that goes beyond your workplace. When you become an accredited Living Wage Employer, you’re supporting a movement that transforms the lives of working New Zealanders.
Many consumers and potential employees are on the lookout for services from accredited Living Wage Employers.
When you become an accredited Living Wage Employer, you will:
- feature on the Living Wage website as an accredited employer, to help consumers and potential employees recognise your business as a Living Wage Employer.
- be promoted in Living Wage Movement media releases, social media and public conversation.
- have the right to use The Living Wage Employer Trademark Logo on your products, in your place of business and on marketing material.
- get updates on news and information regarding the Living Wage Movement through a regular newsletter.
- be invited to Living Wage Movement networking and celebration events.
- have initial and ongoing support from the Living Wage Accreditation team.
We know that each business and organisation is unique. We’re available to talk about how you can achieve Living Wage accreditation. Get in touch with Felicia Scherrer, Living Wage Employer Programme Lead at [email protected] or 021 270 6529
You can see the diverse range of Living Wage Accredited Employers here.
Check out the Living Wage Employer accreditation criteria to see if your organisation is eligible.
Ready to become a Living Wage Employer? Fill out the application form here.
We’re also available to talk about how you can achieve Living Wage accreditation. Get in touch with Felicia Scherrer, Living Wage Employer Programme Lead at [email protected] or 021 270 6529.
The process from application to accreditation.
Applications are reviewed by our Accreditation Advisory Committee, against the accreditation criteria.
The Living Wage Employer Accreditation Fee
The Living Wage Movement is a non-partisan charitable organisation (Reg. CC52267).
A portion of the Living Wage Employer accreditation fee goes to advocacy work of the Living Wage Movement.
This means while accredited Living Wage Employers are lifting wages in their own workplaces, they are also helping to improve worker’s lives across Aotearoa.
The annual fee depends on the type of organisation and the number of staff you employ.
CHARITY/COMMUNITY
| No. Employees | Fee per year |
| 0 to 5 | $100 |
| 6 to 19 | $150 |
| 20 to 49 | $250 |
| 50 to 99 | $350 |
| 100 plus | $500 |
PUBLIC SECTOR/GOVERNMENT
| No. Employees | Fee per year |
| 0 to 19 | $250 |
| 20 to 99 | $500 |
| 100 to 249 | $1,000 |
| 250 to 999 | $1,500 |
| 1000 plus | $2,000 |
BUSINESS
| No. Employees | Fee per year |
| 0 to 5 | $250 |
| 6 to 19 | $375 |
| 20 to 49 | $500 |
| 50 to 99 | $1,000 |
| 100 to 249 | $2,000 |
| 250 to 999 | $3,000 |
| 1000 to 2,500 | $4,000 |
| 2,500 plus | $7,500 |
Ready to become a Living Wage Employer? Fill out the application form here.
We’re available to talk about how you can achieve Living Wage accreditation. Get in touch with Felicia Scherrer, Living Wage Employer Programme Lead at [email protected] or 021 270 6529.
Reports & research
Living Wage Movement - Annual Reports
Living Wage Rate Annual Updates
Living Wage Rate Update 2020/2021
Setting the Living Wage rate and calculation
Living Wage 2023 Measurement Review Report
Living Wage 2018 Measurement Review Report
Report of an investigation into defining a living wage for New Zealand - December 2012
Reports and analysis of the Living Wage Rate
A review into the basis for a Living Wage rate in New Zealand - Brian Scott
Commentary on the Living Wage
Lessons from Global Living Wage Network Report
Living Wage residential training evaluation by Catriona MacLennan
Living Wage Employers: Evidence of UK Business Cases
Filipino Migrant Workers in the Construction Industry 2018
Paying a Living Wage in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2017 – How the Government can do it
The Difference a Living Wage Makes - Paper to Population Health Congress 2014
Central and local Government: Submissions and reports made by the Living Wage Movement
Submission: Government procurement rules, 2019
The Living Wage in the world's most liveable city in 2016
A Living Wage and the world’s most liveable city: A report on Auckland Council 2013
About Us
A grassroots Movement: Our Story
The first Living Wage campaign was launched in 2012 in Auckland and in Wellington followed by other local networks around the country. Supporting organisations joined forces around a statement of commitment to a Living Wage. More than 200 groups agreed:
"A Living Wage is the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life. A living wage will enable workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society. We call upon the Government, employers and society as a whole to strive for a living wage for all households as a necessary and important step in the reduction of poverty in New Zealand.”
The Living Wage emerged as a response to growing poverty and inequality that continues to hold back so many Kiwi workers, their families and our economy.
In April 2013 an incorporated society was formed called Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ with a governance body and membership comprising the three streams of civil society: faith based religious groups, unions and community/secular groups.
In the same year independent research by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit established the first Living Wage rate for New Zealand, $18.40 per hour.
Our kaupapa: What we do
The Living Wage Movement is not aligned to any political party but seeks to influence those who have the power to change the lives of workers and their families. The focus of attention is where incomes are funded through public money, and large employers who can afford to pay a Living Wage.
Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand brings together community/secular, union and faith-based groups to campaign for a Living Wage.
We uphold four key principles, including that the Living Wage Movement is:
- non-party political
- built locally through local relationships and local issues
- independent of government in terms of funding and association
- comprised of three streams of the membership: secular/community, union, faith-based groups.
Our people
National Governance Board members (2024-25)
Alec Toleafoa - Polynesian Panthers
Mat Danaher - Treasurer - E tū
Chas Muir - Anglican Care
Hiueni Nuku - Porirua Union and Community Health Service
Fleur Fitzsimons - Public Service Association
John Kennedy-Good - Ecology Justice and Peace Commission of the Wellington Catholic Archdiocese
Lillian Pak - TEAM Naenae Trust
Muriel Tunoho - Hutt Union and Community Health Service
Tess Upperton - Secretary
Stephen King – Chair - St Peter’s on Willis St
Xavier Walsh - UNITE Union
The Governance Board would like to thank the JR Mckenzie Trust, our member organisations, Living Wage Accredited Employers, and our Principal Partners Council for funding and supporting the work of the Living Wage Movement.
We acknowledge volunteers working tirelessly in our communities to advocate for the Living Wage.
Members of the Living Wage Movement
The Living Wage Movement is a group membership-based organisation. The Movement organises through groups because groups build the power of civil society, bringing together thousands of people who share a common goal of reducing poverty and inequality in New Zealand.
There are three streams of membership:
• Community/secular groups
• Faith-based religious groups
• Union groups
If you are part of a group or organisation you can become a Member Group of the Living Wage Movement and stand for leadership positions on our National Governance Committee or in a local network. Click here to become a member organisation.
The 2024/25 Living Wage rate is $27.80.The current Living Wage rate applies from 1 September 2024 – 31 August 2025. From 1 September 2025, the Living Wage hourly rate will be $28.95. Read more about 2025/26 Living Wage hourly rate here.
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The Living Wage is an hourly rate. Set apart from the minimum wage, it’s worker and whānau focused. Paying the Living Wage rate is voluntary. Employers who pay the Living Wage want to make sure their workers get enough money to live with dignity. The Living Wage considers basic expenses, and gives breathing room for rest, activities, or saving for a rainy day. It’s good for collective wellbeing, and our economy. Read more information about the Living Wage rate here.
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The Living Wage is independently calculated, using the latest data. |
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We need to be confident that the Living Wage does what we say. That’s why it’s calculated using the latest data, and movement in New Zealand’s average hourly earnings. For a sound and independent figure, the New Zealand Family Centre Social Policy Unit conducts the calculation of the rate, and provides this to the Living Wage Movement. Read reports of the Living Wage calculation and annual updates here.
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The Living Wage Movement is a collaboration of faith groups, community organisations and unions. |
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See the list of Living Wage Member Organisations here. Many of us are low-waged workers, or people who deal directly with the impacts of poverty in our communities. We’re diverse, but share a common view – that the Living Wage is one way to lift working people from poverty and inequality. We’re in cities and towns across Aotearoa, championing the Living Wage. We work with central and local government, asking them to lead the way, and pay their workers the Living Wage. We promote and support Living Wage Employers, and call on more industries to get on board. |
The Living Wage Movement offers Living Wage Employer accreditation. |
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Check out the full list of accredited Living Wage employers here. Look out for the Living Wage Employer logo when you’re choosing services or products. Employers go through a robust accreditation process so they can use the Living Wage Employer logo and call themselves an accredited Living Wage Employer. Read the criteria accredited Living Wage Employers must meet here. You can be sure an accredited Living Wage Employer pays the current Living Wage rate to all staff and regular contractors. Living Wage Employers also contribute to our community advocacy and campaign work, helping to lift even more working people out of poverty.
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Get Involved
You can be part of the Living Wage Movement
Volunteer and share your skills and time. Sign up as a volunteer here.
Make a donation, to support our advocacy, education and community activities that raise the profile of the Living Wage. Make a donation here.
If you are part of a group or organisation you can become a Member Group of the Living Wage Movement and stand for leadership positions on our National Governance Board or in a local network. Read more about becoming a member organisation here.
Information for employers
The Living Wage Movement offers Living Wage Employer accreditation. |
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Check out the Living Wage Employer accreditation criteria to see if your organisation is eligible. Ready to become a Living Wage Employer? Fill out the application form here. We’re also available to talk about how you can achieve Living Wage accreditation. Get in touch with Felicia Scherrer, Living Wage Employer Programme Lead at [email protected] or 021 270 6529. Check out the full list of accredited Living Wage employers here. Living Wage Employers also contribute to our community advocacy and campaign work, helping to lift even more working people out of poverty. |
Latest News
Government Cleaners, Security Guards, and Caterers Counting on NZ First
Posted by Sami Smart · March 13, 2025 3:04 PM
Government's Minimum Wage Increase: A Step Backward for Workers, While Living Wage Employers Lead the Way
Posted by Gina Lockyer · December 17, 2024 1:49 PM
The 2024/25 Living Wage rate is $27.80
Posted by Sami Smart · April 02, 2024 12:00 AM
Information Sheets
Here are a collection of information sheets about the Living Wage Movement, free to download and distribute.
Donate
By making a donation today you will be contributing to our mission to reduce poverty and inequality in our Aotearoa.
You can make a one-off donation to the Living Wage Movement through this PayPal form, or via Stripe here.
You can also make a one-off donation or regular donation directly to our bank account:
Account name: Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ
Account number: 38-9014-0838964-00
If you need a receipt, email [email protected]
Ngā mihi maioha.
Donate
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