The adult minimum wage in New Zealand from 1 April 2026 is $23.50 per hour. This page gives the quick answer on rates and take-home pay. For a detailed guide covering history, exemptions, and cost-of-living comparison, see the full NZ minimum wage guide.
Adult minimum wage: $23.50/hour from 1 April 2026. Full-time (40hrs/week) = $940/week gross, $48,880/year gross. Take-home after PAYE and ACC: approximately $40,318/year ($775/week). Starting-out and training wage: $18.80/hour (80% of adult rate).
NZ Minimum Wage Rates 2026
| Rate Type | Per Hour | Per Week (40hrs) | Per Year (40hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult minimum wage | $23.50 | $940 | $48,880 |
| Starting-out wage | $18.80 | $752 | $39,104 |
| Training minimum wage | $18.80 | $752 | $39,104 |
The starting-out wage applies to workers aged 16–19 during their first 6 months with a new employer, and 16–17 year olds in youth development employment. The training wage applies to workers aged 20+ in industry training agreements.
Take-Home Pay on Minimum Wage (2026)
On the adult minimum wage of $48,880/year:
| Period | Gross | Take-Home (after PAYE + ACC) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | $48,880 | ~$40,318 |
| Monthly | $4,073 | ~$3,360 |
| Fortnightly | $1,880 | ~$1,551 |
| Weekly | $940 | ~$775 |
PAYE on $48,880: approximately $8,062 (calculated across 10.5% and 17.5% brackets, with a small amount at 30%) ACC levy: approximately $816 (1.67% of $48,880)
Is Minimum Wage Enough to Live On in NZ?
The living wage in 2026 is approximately $26.00/hour — set independently by the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa to cover basic costs. The adult minimum wage of $23.50 is $2.50/hour below the living wage.
Key comparisons for a single adult in NZ:
| City | Average rent (1-bed flat) | Minimum wage weekly take-home | Rent as % of take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | ~$500–$600/week | ~$775 | 64–77% |
| Wellington | ~$450–$550/week | ~$775 | 58–71% |
| Christchurch | ~$350–$430/week | ~$775 | 45–55% |
| Hamilton | ~$350–$420/week | ~$775 | 45–54% |
Minimum wage is not sufficient for independent living in Auckland or Wellington for a single person without flatmates or government assistance.
Minimum Wage Eligibility
The adult minimum wage applies to all employees 16 years and older unless:
- They qualify for the starting-out or training wage (above)
- They are under 16 (no minimum wage applies — though rare in practice)
Employers cannot pay below the applicable minimum wage for any reason. If you believe you’re being underpaid, contact the Employment New Zealand infoline or raise a personal grievance.
More on NZ Minimum Wage
For the full guide — including the history of NZ minimum wage increases, how it compares internationally, who is most affected, and detailed cost-of-living analysis:
→ Full NZ Minimum Wage Guide 2026