2024’s minimum wage rise is one of the smallest in recent decades, when compared to the rate of inflation. From April 1, the minimum wage will lift 2% from $22.70 to $23.15 an hour. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden had proposed a 1.3% increase, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment had suggested a 4% lift would be needed to keep up with inflation. Van Velden said the increase was “cautious” and the Government wanted to strike the right balance between protecting the incomes of the lowest-paid workers and encouraging employment. She said the minimum wage was one of the most ... (full story)