From 1 April 2025, New Zealand’s minimum wage rates are set to rise.

Coast businesses are being encouraged to prepare now to ensure they’re paying their staff correctly from next month.

The adult minimum wage will increase from $23.15 to $23.50 per hour.

The starting-out and training minimum wages will go up from $18.52 to $18.80 per hour.

These rates are before tax and any lawful deductions, such as PAYE, student loan repayments, or child support.

For Hibiscus Coast employers, this is a good opportunity to review payroll systems, budgets, and employee records.

Whether you use a manual or computer-based payroll system, it’s important to make sure everything is updated in time for the 1 April change.

Businesses may also need to adjust their cashflow and budgets to cover the higher wages.

This can affect areas like ACC levies, KiwiSaver contributions, and holiday pay entitlements.

For those with staff on higher, skilled rates, it may be worth reviewing their pay levels too.

If you haven’t yet spoken to your accountant, payroll provider, or HR team, now is the time.

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