{"id":27649,"date":"2025-03-13T13:36:14","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T03:36:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/minimum-wage-increase\/"},"modified":"2026-03-30T03:21:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T03:21:13","slug":"minimum-wage-guide-nz","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/minimum-wage-guide-nz\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimum wage: Guide for New Zealand employers and payroll teams"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull resource-sticky-downloadable-template has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull blog-template-header has-light-violet-50-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"--bb--crumb-gap:.4em;\" 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style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Blog.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/guides-and-playbooks\/\" rel=\"tag\">Guides and Playbooks<\/a><\/div>\n\n<ul style=\"display: flex; gap: var(--wp--preset--spacing--2); padding-left: 0; flex-wrap: wrap;\"><li style=\"background-color: #e8e7e8;padding: var(--wp--preset--spacing--0-5) var(--wp--preset--spacing--3);border-radius: var(--wp--preset--spacing--8);margin: 0;display: inline-flex;align-self: center;\">\n                <span class=\"has-sm-font-size\" >\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/payroll\" title=\"Payroll\" style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Payroll<\/a>\n                <\/span>\n               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employers and payroll teams<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-sm-font-size\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date has-sm-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-03-13T13:36:14+00:00\">13 Mar 2025<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns content-flex is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sticky-downloadable-title has-light-violet-50-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-10 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--24)\"><h1 class=\"blog-template-title wp-block-post-title\">Minimum wage: Guide for New Zealand employers and payroll teams<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-sm-font-size\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neutral-700);border-left-width:1px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2)\">1 min read<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group content-wrapper content-single-content wysiwyg has-link-color wp-elements-011c6aec4660024c08c9c7f6f0536b04 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-11 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Paying your team correctly and fairly is the foundation of responsible business practice in New Zealand. At the core of this responsibility is the minimum wage \u2013&nbsp; the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay their staff. It is not a suggestion but a mandatory employment standard that applies across almost every industry and sector in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Following the minimum wage rules is critical for compliance and while it may seem simple, it does require a little admin. The rate changes every year, so employers must ensure that they change their systems and payroll to match. There\u2019s also a few notable rules around the application of the minimum wage, as well as the different wage rate categories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">That\u2019s where our guide is designed to help. We\u2019ll set out everything you need to know about the minimum wage in New Zealand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\"><a href=\"#form\"><strong>Download our guide by filling in the form on the right.<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/03\/NZ-minimum-wage-guide-preview-1024x819.webp\" alt=\"NZ minimum wage guide preview\" class=\"wp-image-56036\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/03\/NZ-minimum-wage-guide-preview-1024x819.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/03\/NZ-minimum-wage-guide-preview-300x240.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/03\/NZ-minimum-wage-guide-preview-768x614.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/03\/NZ-minimum-wage-guide-preview-440x352.webp 440w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/03\/NZ-minimum-wage-guide-preview.webp 1350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/pay-and-hours\/pay-and-wages\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates-and-types\">minimum wage<\/a> is the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay their employees. The adult minimum wage rate is currently set at $23.95 per hour, while the training and start-out rates are $19.16 per hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Understanding and correctly applying these rates is a non-negotiable aspect of running a business in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the minimum wage is set in NZ<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The minimum wage rates are not static \u2013 instead, they\u2019re reviewed by the Government every year. The review considers various factors, including inflation, the cost of living and the overall health of the economy. Once the review is complete, the <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/minimum-wage-increase\/\">new rate typically comes into effect on 1 April<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">This yearly cycle requires employers to be vigilant and prepared to update their payroll systems and processes to align with the new requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the minimum wage applies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The minimum wage applies to the vast majority of employees in New Zealand. If someone is 16 years of age or older and is not a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/pay-and-hours\/pay-and-wages\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-exemptions-for-disabled-people\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/pay-and-hours\/pay-and-wages\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-exemptions-for-disabled-people\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">specified exception<\/a>, they are legally entitled to be paid at least the relevant minimum wage rate. This entitlement covers employees in all types of work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, fixed-term and casual roles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimum wage types in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">New Zealand employment law includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/hours-and-wages\/pay\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">three distinct minimum wage categories<\/a>: the adult minimum wage, the starting-out wage and the training minimum wage. The different categories are designed to account for age, experience and training status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">It\u2019s crucial for employers and payroll teams to understand which rate applies to each employee, as paying the incorrect rate can lead to non-compliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adult minimum wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The adult minimum wage is the primary rate that applies to most employees. Any employee aged 16 or over who is not eligible for the starting-out or training rates must be paid at least the adult minimum wage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Starting-out wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/hours-and-wages\/pay\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">starting-out wage<\/a> is a specific rate that can apply to certain younger employees who are new to the workforce. This rate is designed to help young people gain work experience. An employer may pay the starting-out wage to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li>16 and 17-year-old employees during their first six months with that employer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>18 and 19-year-old employees who have been on a qualifying social security benefit for six months or more and who have not yet completed six months of continuous employment with any employer since they started receiving that benefit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>16 to 19-year-old employees in a recognised industry training programme that involves at least 40 credits per year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Training minimum wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/hours-and-wages\/pay\/minimum-wage\/training-minimum-wage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training minimum wage<\/a> is another specific rate for employees aged 20 or over who are undertaking a recognised industry training programme. To be eligible, the training must be part of an approved programme that requires at least 60 credits a year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">This rate aims to encourage businesses to invest in upskilling their workforce. Like the starting-out wage, strict conditions apply and employers must ensure the employee and the training programme meet all legal requirements before applying this wage rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current minimum wage rates in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">As of 1 April 2026, the current minimum wage rates are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">\n<li><strong>Adult minimum wage: <\/strong>$23.95 per hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Starting-out minimum wage:<\/strong> $19.16 per hour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Training minimum wage<\/strong>: $19.16 per hour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparison to previous years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Minimum wage rates have consistently increased since at least 1997, although at varying rates. For a detailed look at annual changes, review the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/pay-and-hours\/pay-and-wages\/minimum-wage\/previous-min-wage-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">historical minimum wage rates<\/a> provided by Employment New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key rules and employer obligations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Compliance with minimum wage laws is governed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.govt.nz\/act\/public\/2000\/0024\/latest\/DLM58317.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Employment Relations Act 2000<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.govt.nz\/act\/public\/1983\/0115\/latest\/DLM74093.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimum Wage Act 1983<\/a>. The key rule is that every employer must pay their eligible employees at least the correct minimum wage for every hour they work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Non-compliance can be a big risk to your business. It can result in significant penalties, including arrears payments, fines and damage to your business&#8217;s reputation. Staying informed, monitoring your payroll and maintaining accurate records are your best defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">As an employer, there are a few other key obligations that you should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employment agreements and record-keeping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Every employee must have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/starting-employment\/employment-agreements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">written employment agreement<\/a> and it should clearly state their wage rate and how it is calculated. The agreement must specify whether they are on the adult, starting-out or training wage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Beyond the agreement, you are legally required to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/starting-employment\/rights-and-responsibilities\/record-keeping\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">keep accurate records<\/a> of all hours worked and wages paid for every employee for at least seven years. These records should be kept even if the employee has left your business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paying below the minimum wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Paying an employee less than the applicable minimum wage is unlawful. There are only a few exceptions to this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">First, the minimum wage doesn\u2019t apply to employees under 16 years of age. Their employment should not occur during school hours however, or impede their ability to attend their education.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Second, there are rare cases where the Labour Inspectorate can grant an exemption permit for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.employment.govt.nz\/pay-and-hours\/pay-and-wages\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-exemptions-for-disabled-people\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">worker with a significant disability<\/a> that limits their ability to carry out the requirements of their work. These permits are uncommon and require a formal application and assessment process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to stay compliant with changing wage rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Proactive management is the key to seamless minimum wage compliance. Instead of scrambling every 31 March, it\u2019s helpful to implement a straightforward annual process to prepare for the 1 April changes. Our guide includes a handy checklist that you can use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Here are a few key tasks you\u2019ll have to complete with every minimum wage update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Update payroll software and employment contracts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Before 1 April, conduct a thorough review of your payroll system. Ensure it is ready to apply the new rates automatically from the effective date. If you use 91爆料, it\u2019s quick and easy to <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/products\/payroll-software\/\">update with the minimum wage change<\/a> and apply the new rules to the next pay run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">This is also an opportune time to review your individual employment agreements, to ensure they are current and reflect the correct wage information. You should also check whether any employees are now eligible for different minimum wage rates. Getting your systems and documentation in order ahead of time prevents errors and last-minute stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communicate updates to staff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Transparency is crucial for building trust with your team. Inform all employees of the upcoming minimum wage increase well before it takes effect. For those directly impacted, it\u2019s important to let them know about their new rate of pay. This proactive approach helps prevent payroll queries and disputes down the line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conduct regular payroll audits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Don&#8217;t wait for a problem to arise. Conducting <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/payroll-audit-checklist\/\">periodic payroll audits<\/a> is a powerful compliance strategy. Review historical pay runs and timesheet records to verify that all employees, including casual and part-time staff, have been paid at or above the minimum wage for all hours worked. Audits help you catch and correct any discrepancies before they become significant liabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimum wage increases don\u2019t have to be an administrative challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">No more last minute panic. Our minimum wage guide includes a comprehensive checklist that you can use every year to ensure that you\u2019re ready for the next increase.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\"><a href=\"#form\"><strong>Download the guide by filling in the form on the right.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-neutral-500-color has-text-color has-link-color has-xs-font-size wp-elements-aff10e0d344b02d1e0e53aad7750e352\"><em><em><em>The information in this article is current as at 1 April 2026, and has been prepared by 91爆料 Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (91爆料). The views expressed in this article are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. Some information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. 91爆料 does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this article.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" id=\"form\">\n<div id=\"form\" class=\"wp-block-group form-v2-violet-box-shadow-pattern is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-marketo-form-v2 is-layout-flow wp-block-marketo-form-v2-is-layout-flow\">\n                                                            <section class=\"eh_marketo_form-title-section eh_marketo_form-title-section--small\" aria-labelledby=\"marketo-form-title\">\n        <div class=\"eh_marketo_form-title-container\">\n                                        <h2 id=\"marketo-form-title\" class=\"eh_marketo_form-title\">Register for the guide<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/section>\n                            <div 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src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"NZ Employer Essentials: Hire the Compliant Way\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1.webp 2048w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1-1024x684.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1-768x513.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1-1536x1026.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1766433977-2048x1368-1-440x294.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-3 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-17 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-16 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Webinar.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/webinar\/\" rel=\"tag\">Webinars<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/sme-hiring-essentials\/\" target=\"_self\" >NZ Employer Essentials: Hire the Compliant Way<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-2\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Growing a business is exciting &#8211; but if you\u2019re hiring in New Zealand, it\u2019s easier than you think to miss&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/sme-hiring-essentials\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: NZ Employer Essentials: Hire the Compliant Way<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/sme-hiring-essentials\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-42920 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-webinar topic-panel-discussion industry-agriculture industry-automotive industry-business-consulting industry-childcare industry-colleges-and-sporting-clubs industry-construction industry-consumer-services industry-customer-service industry-early-education industry-ecommerce industry-education industry-entertainment industry-finance industry-financial-services industry-franchises industry-health-and-fitness industry-health-services industry-healthcare industry-hospitality industry-it-and-technology industry-legal industry-logistics-manufacturing industry-media-communications industry-not-for-profit industry-professional-services industry-public-relations industry-real-estate industry-real-estate-and-strata-management industry-recruitment industry-retail industry-stem industry-technology industry-utilities-public-services industry-veterinary-services industry-youth-services search-tags-find-candidates search-tags-ondemand-webinar\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-21 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-ai-automation-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1708\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-scaled.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Hire Like a Hero: Smarter Hiring with AI &amp; Automation\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-scaled.webp 2560w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-2048x1366.webp 2048w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Hire-Like-a-Hero-Webinar-AI-Automation-440x293.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-6 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-20 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Webinar.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/webinar\/\" rel=\"tag\">Webinars<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-ai-automation-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\" >Hire Like a Hero: Smarter Hiring with AI &amp; Automation<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-5\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Every business leader knows that hiring the right talent quickly, and without overspending, is more important than ever. But how&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-ai-automation-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Hire Like a Hero: Smarter Hiring with AI &amp; Automation<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-ai-automation-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-37937 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-webinar topic-hiring-onboarding topic-people-and-culture industry-agriculture industry-automotive industry-business-consulting industry-childcare industry-colleges-and-sporting-clubs industry-construction industry-consumer-services industry-customer-service industry-early-education industry-ecommerce industry-education industry-entertainment industry-finance industry-financial-services industry-franchises industry-health-and-fitness industry-health-services industry-healthcare industry-hospitality industry-it-and-technology industry-legal industry-logistics-manufacturing industry-media-communications industry-not-for-profit industry-professional-services industry-public-relations industry-real-estate industry-real-estate-and-strata-management industry-recruitment industry-retail industry-stem industry-technology industry-utilities-public-services industry-veterinary-services industry-youth-services search-tags-ondemand-webinar\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-24 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;width:100%;height:100%; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\"  style=\"height:100%\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1125\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/04\/image2-1-1.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Hire like a Hero: strategic talent acquisition to enhance your business DNA\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/04\/image2-1-1.png 1125w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/04\/image2-1-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/04\/image2-1-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/04\/image2-1-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2023\/04\/image2-1-1-440x293.png 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1125px) 100vw, 1125px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-3-col-details wp-container-content-9 is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-22 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/Webinar.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/webinar\/\" rel=\"tag\">Webinars<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\" >Hire like a Hero: strategic talent acquisition to enhance your business DNA<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-8\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Be equipped with the essential tools and strategies to revolutionise your hiring process <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: Hire like a Hero: strategic talent acquisition to enhance your business DNA<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/nz\/resources\/hire-like-a-hero-webinar\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understand NZ\u2019s minimum wage rates, training wage rules, and 2025 updates. 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