Work out your take-home pay on the New Zealand minimum wage. From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage is $23.95 per hour. The starting-out and training rates are $19.16 per hour (80% of the adult rate). This calculator shows gross and net pay after PAYE, ACC earners levy (1.75%), KiwiSaver (3.5% default from April 2026), and student loan. Also compares with the Living Wage ($28.95/hr).
| Rate | Hourly | Gross Weekly | Net Weekly | Net Annual | vs Adult Min |
|---|
| Rate Type | Hourly | Weekly (40 hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult minimum wage | $23.95 | $958.00 | $49,816 |
| Starting-out / training | $19.16 | $766.40 | $39,853 |
| Living Wage (voluntary) | $28.95 | $1,158.00 | $60,216 |
The adult minimum wage applies to all employees aged 16 and over not on the starting-out or training rate. It applies to every hour worked including training, trials, and inductions.
| Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $15,600 | 10.50% |
| $15,601 to $53,500 | 17.50% |
| $53,501 to $78,100 | 30.00% |
| $78,101 to $180,000 | 33.00% |
| $180,001+ | 39.00% |
Unchanged from 2025/26. Introduced in Budget 2024 and fully effective from 1 April 2025.
The default KiwiSaver contribution rate increased from 3% to 3.5% on 1 April 2026 for both employees and employers. At the adult minimum wage (40 hours), the employer contribution adds $1,744 per year to your retirement savings on top of your salary. You can apply to IRD via myIR for a temporary reduction back to 3% (no hardship test, lasts 3-12 months). The default will rise to 4% from 1 April 2028.
The ACC earners levy is $1.52 per $100 of liable earnings (excluding GST), which equals $1.75 per $100 including GST (1.75%). It is capped at maximum liable earnings of $156,641 and is automatically deducted as part of PAYE.
If you have a student loan, 12% is deducted on income above the annual threshold of $24,128 ($464/week). At the adult minimum wage ($49,816/year), this means approximately $3,083 per year, or about $59 per week.
Sources: Employment New Zealand minimum wage (employment.govt.nz). IRD tax rates for individuals (ird.govt.nz). Accident Compensation (Earners' Levy) Regulations 2025 (legislation.govt.nz). KiwiSaver Act 2006 as amended. Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ.
This calculator provides indicative estimates using standard M tax code PAYE rules. Actual take-home may vary by tax code, secondary income, and IETC eligibility. Use IRD's PAYE calculator for definitive payroll figures.
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