Minimum Wage Increase

Minimum wage will be increasing to $23.95 effective from 1st April 2026. This is an increase of 45 cents per hour.

The training and starting out minimum wage also increases to $19.16 per hour, an increase of 36 cents per hour. Now is a good time to review your staff payrates.

Kiwisaver Changes

From 1st April 2026 the minimum Kiwisaver contribution rate is increasing to 3.5% for both employees and employers.

Employees can apply via their MyIR login to have a temporary rate reduction which will keep their contribution rate to 3% for a period of between 3 and 12 months. If the employee applies for this and is accepted the employer can also decrease their contribution to 3%.

16 and 17 year olds who have a Kiwisaver account will also be able to start receiving employer contributions.

ACC Earners Levy rate changes

ACC levies fund injury claims from all New Zealanders. If you have employees you’ll deduct ACC Earners levies from their wages as part of their PAYE payments.

This levy covers people for injuries that happen outside of work.

The ACC earners levy is increasing from $1.67 to $1.75 from 1st April 2026. This will automatically take effect through your payroll software.

If you have employees on salary they will notice their net pay will be slightly less due to the increase in the ACC levy.