Minimum wage from April 1st

19 February 2023

From April 1st 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 7% to $22.70. The Starting-Out and Training minimum wage rates will also increase so that they are 80% of the adult minimum wage.


This wage increase may impact your business, even if you don’t employ any of the 175,000 Kiwis who earn minimum wage. Wages rise steadily over time, and employees who missed out on a pay rise this year will probably expect one next year, especially if your business has been doing well.


As well as the rising cost of labour, inflation will also likely increase your running costs, and the price of materials. This is a good time to consider whether it’s time to put your prices up. Ideally, businesses should increase costs by a small amount each year, rather than a big jump every five years. Small increases help prevent price shocks for customers and keep your business in line with the rest of the market.

You may also need to think about whether you can cut back areas of spending. Most businesses are already running lean after COVID, and due to inflation, but we can help you identify areas where you might be able to trim the fat.


Give us a call or drop us an email – we’re here to help.



Payroll Tips for a Hassle-Free Summer Break

4 December 2025
The Christmas season can create payroll challenges, but understanding the rules can help you stay compliant. Annual Leave: By law, employees are entitled to four weeks of paid leave per year. To avoid last-minute staffing problems, set clear deadlines for leave requests. Holiday Pay : Employees must be paid for public holidays that fall on their regular workdays. Keeping up-to-date employee records and rosters ensures accurate payment. Christmas Closures : Plan ahead for any business shutdowns. You must provide at least 14 days' notice before a closure. If an employee doesn’t have enough leave, they must be paid 8% of their gross earnings since their start date or their last leave entitlement, minus any leave paid in advance if agreed upon. Cashing Up Leave : If it’s part of the agreement or you choose to allow it, employees may cash up to one week of annual leave each year. However, you cannot pressure them into doing so. Casual Workers : Casual employees should receive an additional 8% on top of their earnings instead of accruing leave, and this must be clearly shown on their pay slips. With careful planning, you can keep payroll running smoothly, allowing both you and your team to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance or clarification.

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This time of year can be hard on small businesses. With a bit of pre-planning and being proactive, you can set yourself up for a financially stress-free holiday. Talk to us. We can help.

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To discuss all your account matters please call us on 09 438 1001