The Living Wage should do what we say it does.
‘The Living Wage is the income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life. A living wage enables workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society.’
From 1 September 2024, the Living Wage hourly rate is $27.80.
This is an increase of $1.80 on the 2023/24 rate, which is in line with a 6.9% increase in New Zealand’s average ordinary time hourly rate.
Every year, the Living Wage rate is independently updated by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit.
Living Wage Aotearoa NZ is notified of the new rate by the Family Centre.
Read the update report from the Family Centre here.
Our job is to share the new rate and inform accredited Living Wage Employers of their responsibilities to meet the Living Wage Employer criteria.
The 6.9% increase in the Living Wage rate is linked to the movement in New Zealand’s average ordinary time hourly rate. This information is provided by Stats NZ, in their Quarterly Employment Survey (QES).
By 1 September 2024, accredited Living Wage Employers should pay the new Living Wage rate.
By 1 September 2024, accredited Living Wage Employers should pay the Living Wage rate of $27.80.
They can pay the 2023/24 rate of $26.00 until 31 August 2024.
There's a difference between an employer who pays a living wage and an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Paying the Living Wage is voluntary, and we've noticed more employers are proudly paying it to their staff. Ka rawe!
However, there's a key difference between a business that pays a living wage, and an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Employers go through a robust accreditation process so they can use the trademarked Living Wage Employer logo and call themselves a 'Living Wage Employer'. It's a clear commitment to their employees, customers, and the public.
Living Wage Employers must pay the current Living Wage rate to regular contractors too.
This distinction ensures some of our lowest-paid workers, such as contracted cleaners and security guards, are lifted out of poverty and recognised for the valuable and essential roles they fulfill.
We're proud of the businesses which have made this commitment - from finance to fitness and every industry in-between. They deserve your support.
Find the list of accredited Living Wage Employers here.
Read more about the Living Wage Employer accreditation programme here.