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Which sectors pay more than a median $100,000 salary?
It used to be that once someone's salary hit six digits, they would be considered highly paid.
But there are now about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000.
Over the past 10 years, the median wage across New Zealand has risen from about $67,000 - depending how you measure it - … View moreIt used to be that once someone's salary hit six digits, they would be considered highly paid.
But there are now about a dozen sectors paying at least a median $100,000.
Over the past 10 years, the median wage across New Zealand has risen from about $67,000 - depending how you measure it - to nearly $80,000.
Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon compiled LEED data from Stats NZ which showed the break down of mean and median income by industry.
It showed workers in mining, manufacturing, electricity and gas supply, rail, water, air and space transport, telecommunications, finance and insurance, computer system design, and hospitals all had median and mean incomes above $100,000.
The data reports on PAYE earners so will not capture self employed people who do not pay PAYE, or anyone who is not in paid work.
Coal, oil, gas and metal ore mining was top, with a median income of $136,770 and a mean of $144,450.
Computer systems design and related services was second, with a median income of $125,630.
It was followed by exploration and other mining support services on a median $124,960 and auxiliary finance and insurance services on $124,390.
At the other end of the table was food and beverage services, with a median $40,170, and food retailing on a median $45,030.
"The big caveat is that it doesn't include hours worked, and there will be differences in the prevalence of part time workers across industries," Brunsdon said.
He said it seemed overall that it was private sectors that were paying the highest salaries, with the exception of hospital staff. But he said hospital wages were likely to be being pulled up by highly paid surgeons and other specialists.
"Generally the private sector has greater ability to pay."
He said qualifications were also a factor, although mining roles were not necessarily those requiring degrees.
He said manufacturing salaries could be being pushed up by shift work loadings that could bring people over the $100,000 salary level "quite easily".
There had been a couple of years of quite aggressive minimum wage increases, he said. "That's going to have an effect at the bottom end and it's going to have that knock-on effect to anyone - or should have a knock-on effect to anyone - who's near the minimum wage to maintain relativity.
"But I guess it depends on what's going on. When you've got particular pressures in particular areas, that's going to push up wages. A couple of years ago there was a lot of pressure in the public sector and professional services wages during that period. Not so much now."
He said there was not much impetus for wage growth in the current environment.
"People are generally pretty grateful to keep the job they've got rather than push the boat out and try to get paid more... the job hopping that can push things up is not going on as well."
He said the economy might be at a turning point for recovery but Infometrics was not expecting it to tick over into strong growth.
"It's sort of expected to be a prolonged recovery, which means that it could be some years until we start to get that sort of heat back in the economy that contributes to strong wage growth."
Top five
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Coal, oil gas and metal ore mining
Mean $144,450 median $136,770
Mining is the highest paid sector in New Zealand.
A report in the middle of this year said that 7470 people were employed in the sector.
Computer systems design and related services
Mean $128,690, median $125,630
These sorts of roles are often among the most highly paid in things like Trade Me's reports of advertised salaries.
They include things like planning, integrating and managing computer hardware and software, as well as communication technologies.
Exploration and other mining support services
Mean $129,940, median $124,960
That same mining report said the biggest job creation and economic impact was in Buller, Hauraki and Waitaki.
Earlier in the year, RNZ reported that forest and mining roles had the second-biggest pay increases last year at 6.2 percent.
Auxiliary finance and insurance services
Mean $134,480, median $124,390
This category captures people whose work is related to financial transactions and insurance but who work in businesses that don't own the financial assets themselves.
Finance
Mean $126,220, median $122,020
General finance jobs were also paying well.
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What can I do to keep my mind active?
Maintaining your mental fitness is as important as staying physically fit, and often the two go hand in hand. Factors such as having regular physical exercise; staying well; seeing your doctor when you are unwell and having a good diet all contribute to good mental health.
We can also exercise our… View moreMaintaining your mental fitness is as important as staying physically fit, and often the two go hand in hand. Factors such as having regular physical exercise; staying well; seeing your doctor when you are unwell and having a good diet all contribute to good mental health.
We can also exercise our mental health. ‘Use it or lose it’ still applies. There are a number of ways that the mind can be exercised e.g.:
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Keep up with events and news.
Cultivate a curious mind. Ask people more questions than you might otherwise and talk less.
Stay connected with family and friends. Try to make new friends. Talk to someone you don’t know or perhaps someone much older or much younger than yourself.
Invite someone for a meal; even for a sandwich at the park. Eating with others not only increases your appetite and makes food taste better it also creates an environment where you can be part of discussions that make you think.
Expose yourself to new things e.g., try a card game you have never tried before; go somewhere you haven’t been before; try different food etc.
Stretch your thinking by enrolling in continuing education classes or University of the Third Age.
Learn new skills – for example using a smart phone. This can be a great skill to have for peace of mind and security as it allows you to keep in contact with friends and family while out and about. It’s also a great way to keep in contact with the grandchildren.
Learn a new language.
If you are not enjoying the benefits of the internet join up with Senior Hangouts. They are a group where the focus is teaching and learning computer skills. This is done in a peer tutoring environment and means that you don’t have ‘some young thing’ whizzing you through a course that leaves you feeling breathless and discouraged. You will be with others who understand your trepidation.
Many older people are finding computers liberating and empowering e.g. email helps you keep in touch with your family and friends. Remember, the people of your generation invented computers! If you feel confident with computers you might like to offer some of your expertise to SeniorNet.
Keep doing your crosswords and puzzles.
Look for new solutions to problems and avoid the old ones that don’t work anymore and just make you angry.
Become an advocate for positive changes eg join a lobby group such as Grey Power. You may not make a difference on your own but join with others and much more can be achieved.
Record your life history. It’s great for the memory as well as for the genealogists who follow behind you.
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Britomart Station becomes Waitematā Station
Britomart Station becomes Waitematā Station
In 2003, Britomart opened as our new and only city centre train station. With City Rail Link (CRL) opening next year, that is set to change. We’ll have brand new stations in the city and new names.
Mana whenua gifted the name Waitematā Station for … View moreBritomart Station becomes Waitematā Station
In 2003, Britomart opened as our new and only city centre train station. With City Rail Link (CRL) opening next year, that is set to change. We’ll have brand new stations in the city and new names.
Mana whenua gifted the name Waitematā Station for Britomart Station. We’ve been using ‘Waitematā (Britomart)’ as a transitional name, but now it is time for the next step.
You’ll start to notice ‘Waitematā Station’ on our maps, signages, and online, including the AT Mobile app. While the name has changed, Waitematā Station remains a hub for trains, buses and ferries – and access to our waterfront, downtown, and everything the Britomart precinct has to offer.
The name reflects the station’s proximity to the Waitematā Harbour, which was named after its flat, glassy waters resemblance to matā (obsidian). The harbour’s name also reflects a visit from a Te Arawa ancestor who placed an obsidian stone as a mauri (talisman) in the northern part of the harbour.
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LINE DANCING..New Beginners class
Epsom Methodist church
Greenwoods Cnr .Epsom
MONDAY 7pm-8pm
22nd September
Come along on your own or bring a friend
Microwave oven I need
Hi neighbour I need please microwave oven if you have spare. Appreciate
Choice News Tuesday: Music will keep you sharp
Thought you were past your prime to become a rockstar? Don't sell yourself - or your health - short.
Research published this year has demonstrated that playing music helps keep dementia at bay - no matter how late in life the skill is picked up.
The basic idea behind this research is not… View moreThought you were past your prime to become a rockstar? Don't sell yourself - or your health - short.
Research published this year has demonstrated that playing music helps keep dementia at bay - no matter how late in life the skill is picked up.
The basic idea behind this research is not new - we know that 'cognitive reserve' (learning new things) plays a big role in delaying mental slowdown. But the reminder that "it is never too late" is welcome ...
We hope this news brings a smile!
Auckland's Biggest Hobbies EXPO
20 & 21 September
Held at Kings College
10 am to 4 pm
Free Parking
Free Entry
Family History, Paper crafts, Stamp and coin collecting, Wargamers, Astronomy, Toys, Taekwondo
NATURAL LATEX MATTRESS
USED FOR FEW MONTHS LIKE NEW
KING SIZE
RETAIL PRICE $ 5290
USED FOR GUEST ROOM
Make a Garden Bench with Resene Woodsman Skywater
Make a stylish garden bench using inexpensive fencing timber finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Skywater. Find out how to make and stain your own bench seat with these easy step by step instructions.
Show us your Snaps: Conservation Week
It is Conservation Week! Do you have any big plans for Conservation Week?
So many native fauna and flora make New Zealand special - show us a picture of your backyard native species in the comments below 💚 Perhaps we can inspire others to find the beauty in our local species.
Jetstar is set to ramp up its presence in New Zealand, adding more than 660,000 new seats a year across domestic and trans-Tasman routes.
Jetstar said it would add "close to" 500,000 seats across five of its most popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes, and was adding two new services - one domestic and one to Australia.
Around 135,000 seats would be created with new daily flights from Hamilton to Christchurch, and 17,000… View moreJetstar said it would add "close to" 500,000 seats across five of its most popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes, and was adding two new services - one domestic and one to Australia.
Around 135,000 seats would be created with new daily flights from Hamilton to Christchurch, and 17,000 would be added with flights three times a week from Queenstown to Brisbane between June and October 2026.
To support the changes, it said an additional A320 aircraft would be based in Auckland, which would bring its fleet in Aotearoa to nine.
The airline called the changes its "single-biggest expansion ever" of its New Zealand and trans-Tasman network.
It also noted increased services to Australia would allow many more one-stop routes for Kiwis visiting major cities in Asia.
Jetstar capacity increase:
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Auckland and Christchurch: increasing from up to eight daily to up to 11 daily (290,000 additional seats per year)
Auckland and Brisbane: increasing from up to ten per week to twice daily (99,000 additional seats per year)
Auckland and Sydney: increasing from up to eight per week to up to 12 per week (79,000 additional seats per year)
Christchurch and Melbourne: increasing to daily year-round (26,000 additional seats per year)
Auckland and Dunedin: increasing from seven per week to up to 10 per week (From 26 October – 17 May 2026. 24,000 additional seats per year.
Qantas, which is owned by the same parent company as Jetstar, said it would begin flying its A220 aircraft between Wellington and Brisbane up to three times per week.
The Australian national carrier is also set to increase its capacity between Christchurch and Sydney, with up to two additional flights per week during February and March, adding more than 5000 seats to the route.
Key airline announces record NZ expansion, will cheaper flights follow? - Watch on TVNZ+
Jetstar Group chief executive officer Stephanie Tully said the changes will ensure Kiwis have enhanced connectivity to Asia and beyond.
"These changes will give a much-needed boost to inbound tourism while offering Kiwis even more low-fares and choice in how they travel."
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said: "These new services will strengthen airline connectivity for both tourism and business within New Zealand and on the Trans-Tasman routes.
"Improved aviation connectivity is an important component in our Tourism Growth Roadmap and I congratulate Jetstar and Qantas for making these connections happen."
Air New Zealand recruits charter airline
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Earlier today, Air New Zealand announced it would welcome back Spanish charter airline Wamos Air during peak summer travel, as it navigates "ongoing global engine supply challenges with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney".
Wamos Air would operate selected services between Auckland and Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Tokyo and Bali between October 30 2025 to April 30, 2026.
Air New Zealand said the Wamos-operated Airbus A330-300, which was previously flown by Virgin Atlantic, offers a cabin experience closely aligned with Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9.
Last month, Air New Zealand signalled passengers should expect a 5% increase for all airfares amid rising operating costs.
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Choice News Tuesday: Spring is in full swing, and the birds are getting busy 🐣
Spring’s here, and with it comes warmer weather and lots of activity from our birds. It’s a great time to get outside—many birds are easier to spot as they build nests, raise their chicks, or return from their Arctic adventures 👀
Keen to do some backyard birdwatching? The Department of … View moreSpring’s here, and with it comes warmer weather and lots of activity from our birds. It’s a great time to get outside—many birds are easier to spot as they build nests, raise their chicks, or return from their Arctic adventures 👀
Keen to do some backyard birdwatching? The Department of Conservation have put together a nifty guide on how to plan and plant a garden that attracts native birds.
We hope this brings a smile!
Henderson Beat Team launch
Police are excited to invite media to the launch of the Henderson Beat Team, which began patrolling this week.
A launch event will be held in Henderson on Friday morning.
Waitematā West Area Commander Inspector Simon Walker and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell will launch the team.
Please … View morePolice are excited to invite media to the launch of the Henderson Beat Team, which began patrolling this week.
A launch event will be held in Henderson on Friday morning.
Waitematā West Area Commander Inspector Simon Walker and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell will launch the team.
Please arrive before the start time to allow time to set up.
WHERE:
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Meet at Waitākere Chambers
6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson.
Entrance is accessed via Te Ara Pūheke or via Railside Avenue, using the rail overbridge.
WHEN
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Friday 12 September from 11am-12.30pm
WHAT
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The Henderson Beat Team will be launched to community guests and media.
After the launch there will be further opportunities for media with a walkalong through part of Henderson CBD, followed by a media stand up.
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Is it time to ditch homework in New Zealand?
Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero”.
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We’ve all been there – sitting at the kitchen table, feverishly finishing our spelling while an anxious parent coaxes us along. For generations, homework at an early age has been part … View moreHomework in primary school has an effect of around zero”.
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We’ve all been there – sitting at the kitchen table, feverishly finishing our spelling while an anxious parent coaxes us along. For generations, homework at an early age has been part of everyday life. But now many experts are questioning its value for primary-aged children, with some calling for it to end altogether.
Currently, in New Zealand, there are no specific Ministry of Education laws mandating or regulating homework. Some schools choose to adopt guidelines like “the 10-minute rule” (10 minutes of homework per school level), others choose to have none.
For Kiwi parents, this can mean drastically different workloads for kids. One Auckland-based parent tells the Herald that her two children, 5 and 8, are often too tired to focus on homework, and it takes away from quality time.
“My 5-year-old is so exhausted when he comes home, and I dread sitting him down and forcing him to do homework - it just feels too much for him after a long day and always ends in a tantrum.”
The mother said her 5-year-old gets spelling words to revise, as well as a book to read with parents, while her 8-year-old comes home with “basic revision, chapter books, maths and some projects”.
“After I empty school bags, get through all that homework and make dinner, do the bath, there’s barely any time for anything else before bed,” she shares.
In recent years, the role of homework has come under critical review globally, with public attitudes to the practice changing.
Countries like Poland and Denmark have gone as far as introducing legislation to ban or limit homework in the first 2-3 years of primary school, and opt for reading revision only up until year 6.
With our own government looking to overhaul the education system, citing poor literacy data and putting a “writing action plan in place”, many have been left wondering exactly what that plan entails, and what role homework plays in it.
Does homework help create more intelligent children? Or does it simply overwhelm their exhausted brains, desperate for rest and play?
Psychologist Nigel Latta has publicly criticised homework in primary schools, suggesting it has no use.
He says most teachers agreed and assigned homework only to appease parents, which made children resent learning.
Child neuroscientist and early childhood expert Nathan Wallis agrees, stating that a child’s behaviour is a reflection of the amount of anxiety they have, and this can directly relate to their feelings about learning.
“Te Whariki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, doesn’t talk so much about literacy and numeracy; it talks about wellbeing, belonging and connection. If the 5-year-old does not feel these things, their behaviour will go out the window. The evidence shows that whether you teach a child to read at age 5 or age 7, by the time the child is 8, there is no difference in their abilities.”
According to Professor of Education John Hattie, ONZM, homework at primary school makes a negligible difference to student learning and achievement and a very small positive difference in high school.
“Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero”, he told the BBC.
Hattie suggests it’s better to focus on revising things that have already been taught, rather than new material, which is best handled by a teacher.
“Five to 10 minutes has the same effect as one hour to two hours. The worst thing you can do with homework is give kids projects. The best thing you can do is to reinforce something you’ve already learnt.”
Wallis agrees, stating that at ages 5 and 6 in particular, play is much more critical to a child’s development, and at those ages, children shouldn’t be receiving any homework at all.
“There is no evidence that homework is beneficial - teachers do it because parents expect it, and kids do it because teachers expect it. I would argue that it’s not important.”
With primary school children already spending six hours in structured education, five days a week, and having limited time to experience a parent’s influence, Wallis says the focus needs to shift to creativity, imagination, and play.
“It would be more beneficial to talk to a family member about their day at school for five minutes a day, so there is a connection happening between home and school. You don’t get a better 5-year-old by getting them ready to be a 15-year-old. You get a better 5-year-old by meeting the needs of a 5-year-old.”
So why shouldn’t they be getting homework? Isn’t it important for parents to get involved in their kids’ learning? Wallis says that the answer comes back to what is happening within a child’s brain developmentally at that time.
“Creativity and imagination are the things that underpin human intelligence, not literacy and numeracy. AI is capable of literacy, numeracy and computation, but can’t do creativity and imagination. Children need time to develop that; 5-year-olds should be playing.
“They are developing dispositions that will underpin their learning for the rest of their lives and will basically determine in many ways how intelligent they are. Dispositions are things like persevering through failure, do you give up after one go or persevere, knowing when to ask for help and when to persevere.”
And it seems parents agree with that sentiment, with the Auckland-based mum of two noting, “I genuinely feel my kids get more out of sitting at the kitchen bench, maybe helping me with dinner and chatting about their day, what went right and wrong with it, disagreements with their friends and how I can help them figure that out.”
So why are our tamariki doing homework? And is it time for a total reform on how we view homework, and its place in our education system?
Hattie says it still has its place, but the key is getting it right, not getting rid of it entirely.
“It’s one of those lower-hanging fruit that we should be looking in our primary schools to say, ‘Is it really making a difference?’ If you try and get rid of homework in primary schools, many parents judge the quality of the school by the presence of homework. So, don’t get rid of it. Treat the zero as saying, ‘It’s probably not making much of a difference, but let’s improve it’.”
Wallis agrees, adding that in later years of primary school, it can help prepare children for what’s ahead. But he notes that building a sense of connection is the most important thing in fostering a well-rounded, critically thinking child.
“In the last year of primary school, formal homework could be introduced to prepare the children for high school. Prior to this, homework should just be tasks such as reading with parents or asking your grandparents what their earliest memory is, things that are building connection.”
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