Minimum Wage Update
Effective 1 April 2025
From 1 April 2025, updated minimum wage rates will take effect across the adult minimum wage, the starting-out wage, and the training minimum wage.
This page outlines the new wage levels, the definitions of each wage category, and employment considerations for school-aged workers.
2025 Minimum Wage Rates
Adult minimum wage: $23.50
Starting-out wage: $18.80
Training minimum wage: $18.80
Recognised Seasonal Employees (RSE): $25.47
Wage Category Definitions
Business.govt.nz summarises the different minimum wage types as below:
Adult minimum wage
The adult minimum wage applies to all employees aged 16 and over who aren’t starting-out workers or trainees, and all employees who are involved in supervising or training other employees.
Starting-out wage
The starting-out wage applies solely to workers aged between 16 and 19 and who are entering the workforce for the first time.
Starting-out workers are:
Aged 16-17 and have worked for you for less than six months.
Aged 18-19 and have been paid a specified social security benefit for six months or more, and who haven’t yet completed six months continuous employment with any employer since they started being paid a benefit. After six months continuous employment with a single employer, they must be paid at least the adult minimum wage rate.
Aged 16-19 and required by their employment agreement to undertake industry training for at least 40 credits a year to become qualified.
Training Minimum Wage
The training minimum wage applies to employees aged 20 years or over who are completing recognised industry training involving at least 60 credits in order to become qualified.
Employing school-age workers
There is no minimum wage for employees who under 16 years of age. If you employ under-16s, you must not let their work get in the way of attending school.