Take-home uses tax code ME where the independent earner tax credit applies, and assumes no KiwiSaver or student loan.
This is an estimate based on published rates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip or assessment may differ. We are an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency.
2026 rates
Rate
Hourly
40-hour week
Year (2,080 hours)
Adult minimum wage
$23.95
$958.00
$49,816
Starting-out minimum wage
$19.16
$766.40
$39,853
Training minimum wage
$19.16
$766.40
$39,853
Living Wage (voluntary, from 1 Sep 2026)
$29.90
$1,196.00
$62,192
The adult minimum wage rose 45 cents (1.9%) from $23.50. The starting-out and training rates stay at 80% of the adult rate.
Worked example: full-time on the adult minimum wage
Adult minimum wage, 40 hours a week, 2026/27
40 hours at $23.95 is $958 a week before tax. Because the annual income of $49,816 qualifies for the independent earner tax credit, take-home pay is about $804.58 a week before KiwiSaver.
Hourly rate$23.95from 1 April 2026
Weekly before tax
$958.00
Weekly take-home
$804.58no KiwiSaver
Yearly before tax
$49,816
Your rights
The minimum wage applies to all hours worked, including training required by your employer.
Employers must keep wage and time records and pay at least the minimum for each hour.
Deductions (for uniforms or breakages) can’t take pay below the minimum without your written consent.
If you are underpaid, raise it with your employer first, then contact Employment New Zealand.
Questions people ask
What is the minimum wage in NZ from 1 April 2026?
$23.95 an hour for adults. The starting-out and training minimum wages are $19.16 (80% of the adult rate).
Who can be paid the starting-out wage?
16 and 17-year-olds in their first six months with an employer, 18 and 19-year-olds who have been on certain benefits for six months, and 16 to 19-year-olds in required training of at least 40 credits a year.
Who gets the training minimum wage?
Employees aged 20 or over doing recognised industry training of at least 60 credits a year as part of their job.
Is the Living Wage compulsory?
No. It is a voluntary rate ($29.90 from 1 September 2026) paid by accredited Living Wage employers.
This is an estimate based on published rates, not tax or financial advice. Your payslip or assessment may differ. We are an independent site, not affiliated with any government agency. Read the full disclaimer.
