Early results from a survey of low paid workers shows income is strongly related to well-being for low earners across a range of measures, including low satisfaction in relation to personal health, community, and the future.

At the 2018 Living Wage Movement AGM in Auckland, Professor Jim Arrowsmith spoke about ongoing research into the Living Wage and wellbeing. The research asks the questions:  Is there a Living Wage range that enables people to prosper and thrive in Aotearoa/NZ; and, what are the main barriers to, and facilitators of, employers’ implementation of Living Wage rates?

Supported by the Marsden Fund, this research began in March 2018 and incorporates a nationally-representative panel survey of 1,000 workers in low-income occupations (up to $60,000 p/a), employer, employee (and other stakeholder) interviews. This research will be conducted over the next three years.

The new Governance Committee for the Living Wage for 2018-19 is:  Sandra Grey (TEU), Hiueni Nuku (Porirua Union and Community Health Service), Anna Casey-Cox (Poverty Action Waikato), John Ryall (E tū), Ibrahim Omer (Changemakers Refugee Forum), Susan Adams (St Matthew-in-the-City), Marlon Drake (Victoria University of Wellington Students Association), Muriel Tunoho (Hutt Union Health Service), Jenny Dawson (St Anne's Porirua), Chas Muir (Anglican Action, Christchurch), Shirley Zhuang (Treasurer), Catriona Maclennan (Secretary), Annie Newman (Convenor).