Lowest minimum wage rate increase in more than a decade w/ Unite Union Co-President Xavier Walsh: 3rd April, 2025

The adult minimum-wage rate has been set to increase by just 35 cents from the 1st April, the lowest increase since 2013.

Announcing the move on Tuesday, Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke Van Velden says it reflects the New Zealand economy’s recovery from a “sustained period of high interest rates and recessionary conditions” and ensures that “employers and businesses can continue to grow and provide employment opportunities – which could be put at risk with a disproportionate increase in the minimum wage.”

Unite Union, who represent hospitality and other minimum-wage workers, disagree. 
On Tuesday, Unite Union organised five rallies across Aotearoa demanding the government to provide real pathways to a living wage.

They highlight that the minimum wage increase is essentially a pay cut for thousands of workers as it falls below the inflation adjustment.

To discuss more about the what many believe is this less-than-sufficient wage increase and Unite Union’s call to action, Producer Sara spoke with Unite Union’s co-president Xavier Walsh this morning. Here is that interview