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An Auckland man who wore home-made posters of his lost dog for nearly a week has been reunited with…
The minimum wage rate will rise from $16.50 an hour to $17.70, taking effect on April 1 next year, Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway and NZ First employment relations spokesman Clayton Mitchell announced today. "For a fulltime worker, this will mean an extra $48 a week before tax… View moreThe minimum wage rate will rise from $16.50 an hour to $17.70, taking effect on April 1 next year, Workplace Relations Minister Iain Lees-Galloway and NZ First employment relations spokesman Clayton Mitchell announced today. "For a fulltime worker, this will mean an extra $48 a week before tax – enough to make a real difference for working people," Lees-Galloway said. "The increase will benefit approximately 209,200 workers and their families, lifting wages throughout the economy by $231 million per year and making a big difference for families. "About a quarter of those earning the minimum wage – 36,000 people – are parents with children." Raising the minimum wage from $15.75 an hour when the Government took office, to $20 an hour by April 2021, is part of Labour and NZ First's coalition agreement.
To stay at 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage, the starting-out and training wages will increase from $13.20 to $14.16 per hour in April next year. Lees-Galloway also laid out the likely increases in coming years, subject to economic conditions, to provide businesses and workers with greater certainty. He said the minimum wage will rise to $18.90 an hour in April 2020 and $20 in April 2021. The Government lifted the rate to $16.50 an hour in April this year, despite advice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment that it could cost up to 3000 jobs.
"The estimated restraint on employment for a minimum wage of $16.50 is 3000," a regulatory impact statement from MBIE officials said. It said that the higher cost of labour could be passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services, but also noted that the effect on employment "is heavily debated in economic literature". "There is no clear consensus". The living wage - reflecting basic expenses such as the cost of food, transportation, housing and childcare - for 2018 is $20.55 per hour, as calculated independently by the NZ Family Centre Social Policy Unit. The boost comes as economists warn of a tight labour market. According to the latest figures from the Half Yearly Economic and Fiscal Update, GDP growth was expected to be roughly 3 per cent over the next five years. Unemployment is at a 10-year low of 3.9 per cent. Wages are expected to increase by more than 3.3 per cent over the next half decade and unemployment is forecast to stay at roughly 4 per cent.
Minimum wage increases:
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• April 2019 - $17.70
• April 2018 - $16.50
• April 2017 - $15.75
• April 2016 - $15.25
• April 2015 - $14.75
• April 2014 - $14.25
• April 2013 - $13.75
• April 2012 - $13.50
• April 2011 - $13.00
• April 2010 - $12.75
• April 2009 - $12.50
• April 2008 - $12.00
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Hi Aucklanders,
'Tis the season for beers or bubbles in the sun after work, and we have some good news for you if you're planning to be out and about this Friday!
In a bid to curb drunk driving, all buses and trains around the city will be free from 4pm. So eat, drink and be merry -… View moreHi Aucklanders,
'Tis the season for beers or bubbles in the sun after work, and we have some good news for you if you're planning to be out and about this Friday!
In a bid to curb drunk driving, all buses and trains around the city will be free from 4pm. So eat, drink and be merry - and know you won't have to pay to get home. Happy Christmas indeed! To read more, click here.
Does free public transport encourage you to leave your car at home? Should Auckland Transport look to do this more often?
Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff.
As we work to control and reduce wasp populations around New Zealand it is important to know which type of wasp you are targeting.
Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.
Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct… View moreAs we work to control and reduce wasp populations around New Zealand it is important to know which type of wasp you are targeting.
Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.
Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct control method.
Hi neighbours,
The clock is ticking (and no, we're not referring to the Christmas countdown!) - single-use plastic bags will be out of circulation from July 1, 2019.
All retailers, ie not just supermarkets, will no longer be able to sell or give away single-use plastic shopping bags after … View moreHi neighbours,
The clock is ticking (and no, we're not referring to the Christmas countdown!) - single-use plastic bags will be out of circulation from July 1, 2019.
All retailers, ie not just supermarkets, will no longer be able to sell or give away single-use plastic shopping bags after this date. To read more, click here.
Do you support the single-use plastic bag ban? How will the ban affect your life?
Have you already adapted to a plastic bag-free life or will this mean big changes in your household? What are your tips and tricks for ensuring the ban doesn't cause havoc when you hit the shops?
Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff
Hi neighbours,
A binding referendum on personal cannabis is to be held at the 2020 general election. Do you think personal cannabis use should be legalised in NZ? Read more about the topic here.
A WestCity gift card is the perfect gift for all occasions. Gift cards are available from the Customer Service desk on level 2 and can be loaded with any amount from $10 - $999. The gift cards can be used at any participating store within WestCity – so there’s something to please everyone this … View moreA WestCity gift card is the perfect gift for all occasions. Gift cards are available from the Customer Service desk on level 2 and can be loaded with any amount from $10 - $999. The gift cards can be used at any participating store within WestCity – so there’s something to please everyone this Christmas.
Tis the season for twinkling lights. And what better way to celebrate the end of the year festivities than by venturing out to see some of the best light displays Auckland has to offer.
Opening times are changing for many Auckland Council services over the summer holidays.
An Auckland pastor who sexually abused a young girl while her mother was dying of cancer has been de…
In our upcoming January 2019 issue (out at the end of this month!), columnist Trevor Crosby sings the praises of community gardens, and many gardeners say the benefits of working with soil and plants are magnified when further shared with like-minded green thumbs. Do you spend any time working in a… View moreIn our upcoming January 2019 issue (out at the end of this month!), columnist Trevor Crosby sings the praises of community gardens, and many gardeners say the benefits of working with soil and plants are magnified when further shared with like-minded green thumbs. Do you spend any time working in a community garden?
For the last pest free story of the year, we meet another winner of the Mayoral Conservation Awards
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