The minimum wage is the lowest amount per hour an employer can pay you. If you're getting paid less than this amount you need to raise this issue with your employer first. If you are still getting paid less than the minimum wage, you can ask a Labour Inspector to investigate.
There are three minimum wage rates:
There is no statutory minimum wage for employees who are under 16 years old.
Minimum wage rates are reviewed every year. For current minimum wage rates, please see our Minimum wage page.
For information about on the job training please see the website of the Industry Training Federation website.
Your employer can’t deduct money from your wages, without your agreement in writing. The law protects the employee’s right to receive wages from their employer without unauthorised deductions. The common exception to this is the levies the employer is required to deduct by law, such as tax and ACC. Your employer also can’t tell you how to spend your wages.
Sometimes when you start a job it can take a while for your employer to pay you. Your employment agreement should say how often you will be getting paid. Make sure your employer has all the right details (like your bank account and IRD number) so that they can pay you. If you haven’t been paid, have a talk to your employer and ask them why. You can call the Department of Labour’s Contact Centre on 0800 20 90 20 to find out what your rights are and what you can do.
It’s very important that you're paid at least the minimum wage. Your minimum rights (including the minimum wage) are looked after by Labour Inspectors.
By law, your employer must pay your wages in money and not in any other form, such as goods and services.
If you're being paid less than the minimum wage, a Labour Inspector can investigate and order your employer to pay you at least the minimum wage.
For more information about our Labour Inspectors or to contact one in your area, please see our Labour Inspectors page.