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New Zealand Increases Median Wage to NZD 35 Per Hour Starting March 9

March 5, 2026 5:42 am

New Zealand Increases Median Wage to NZD 35 Per Hour Starting March 9

New Zealand will raise its median wage to NZD 35 per hour starting March 9, 2026, and this change will influence visa thresholds and family sponsorship income requirements. If you plan to work or hire overseas staff, you must prepare for adjustments.

What Is Changing for the Accredited Employer Work Visa?

The median wage increase affects the Accredited Employer Work Visa and linked visas, and although the general AEWV median-wage rule was removed in March 2025, offering employers more flexibility, several immigration settings remain tied to the median wage figure. When the median wage increases, related thresholds and exemptions will increase as well, so the median wage still affects key immigration outcomes for applicants and employers.

Which Immigration Settings Are Affected?

Green List salary thresholds will rise with the updated median wage, so applicants for Green List roles should verify new pay thresholds before applying; roles paid at twice the median wage gain certain advertising exemptions and higher thresholds, and with the increase, the twice-the-median benchmark becomes NZD 70 per hour.

Some lower-skilled roles qualify for a five-year stay if paid 1.5 times the median, and the 1.5-times threshold will rise when the median wage increases, affecting eligibility; income tests for partners and children remain linked to the median wage level, so from March 9, 2026, the required income to support family members will increase accordingly.

What Employers Should Do Now

Accredited employers should review current employment contracts and salary offers, carefully reassess recruitment plans and any ongoing visa applications immediately, and recognize that even small hourly pay changes can influence visa eligibility and sponsorship outcomes. Employers hiring foreign workers under the AEWV should calculate new pay levels now and adjust offers proactively rather than waiting until the new rate takes effect.

Why This Keeps Changing

New Zealand’s median wage calculates from Stats NZ quarterly data each year, and the rate mostly updated in the early months, often in February or March. Therefore, employers and applicants should expect recurring median wage adjustments and plan accordingly.

The Bottom Line for Foreign Workers

From March 9, 2026, NZD 35 per hour becomes the official median-wage benchmark, and although the general AEWV median rule ended, the figure still drives several requirements. If you are near a salary threshold, speak with your employer as soon as possible because a modest pay increase now could significantly affect visa options and plans.

Conclusion

Prepare now to avoid surprises when the median wage updates in March by reviewing pay rates, contracts, and visa plans to maintain compliance and eligibility. Act proactively to protect your hiring strategies and family sponsorship possibilities and secure smoother outcomes for applicants and employers.