Annual living wage goes up to $23.65 amidst workers striking for better pay

30 August, 2022

By Joe Wickins

SkyCity Auckland casino workers protested for a liveable wage outside SkyCity in Auckland's CBD today. Photo: Unite Union.

The living wage will increase tomorrow to $23.65 an hour. However, the minimum wage in New Zealand is currently $21.20 per hour.

This comes as workers across several industries including SkyCity Auckland casino workers and professional firefighters walked off the job last week, demanding to be paid a liveable wage.

The living wage is a voluntary rate calculated independently each year by the New Zealand Family Centre Social Policy Unit to reflect the basic expenses of workers and their families, including food, transportation, housing, and childcare. Over 350 accredited living wage employers will now pay the 2022/23 rate from 1 September. 

Mitsubishi Motors has just become the first automobile company to adopt the living wage. 

Chief Operating Officer Daniel Cook stated that the company is paying the living wage to make sure its employees can make ends meet.

"The cost of living crisis currently impacting hard-working New Zealanders places an increased responsibility on employers to do right by their employees."

The Green Party has called for a cross-party commitment to guaranteeing at least a living wage for employees. 

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air