Minimum wage increases from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage will rise to $23.95 per hour.

That is an increase of 45 cents per hour from the current rate of $23.50.

For someone working 40 hours per week on the adult minimum wage, this increase equals an extra $18 per week, or $936 per year before tax.

The government also confirmed the training and starting-out minimum wages will increase to $19.16 per hour, staying at 80 percent of the adult minimum wage. This is up from $18.80.

Around 122,500 workers currently earning below the new rates are expected to receive a pay increase as a result of this change.

What this means for visa applications

This change matters for anyone applying for a work visa that involves a New Zealand job offer, including an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

If your work visa application is lodged on or after 1 April 2026, the pay rate in the job offer will need to be at or above the new minimum wage.

If you are planning to apply around this time, it is worth checking your employment agreement and pay rate early so there are no avoidable issues when submitting your application.

If you have questions about how this change applies to your situation, our advisers are available to help.‍