# Previous minimum wage rates Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/pay-and-hours/pay-and-wages/minimum-wage/previous-min-wage-rates Scanned: 2026-06-07T03:31:31.402Z Use this as a current official guidance reference, not as a substitute for legal advice. ## Page Text Home Pay and hours Pay and wages Minimum wage Previous minimum wage rates Minimum wage Pay and wages Minimum wage Minimum wage rates and types Minimum wage exemptions for disabled people Previous minimum wage rates Holidays and leave pay Types of pay Allowances Deductions and premiums Pay periods and paydays Payslips Final pay Setting pay, pay reviews and pay rises Everyone Previous minimum wage rates Minimum wage rates from 1997 to 2025. Minimum wage rates from May 2013 to April 2025 In force from: Adult Starting-out Training 1 April 2025 $23.50 $18.80 $18.80 1 April 2024 $23.15 $18.52 $18.52 1 April 2023 $22.70 $18.16 $18.16 1 April 2022 $21.20 $16.96 $16.96 1 April 2021 $20.00 $16.00 $16.00 1 April 2020 $18.90 $15.12 $15.12 1 April 2019 $17.70 $14.16 $14.16 1 April 2018 $16.50 $13.20 $13.20 1 April 2017 $15.75 $12.60 $12.60 1 April 2016 $15.25 $12.20 $12.20 1 April 2015 $14.75 $11.80 $11.80 1 April 2014 $14.25 $11.40 $11.40 1 May 2013 n/c $11.00 n/c Minimum wage rates from April 2008 to April 2013 In force from: Adult New entrant Training 1 April 2013 $13.75 $11.00 $11.00 1 April 2012 $13.50 $10.80 $10.80 1 April 2011 $13.00 $10.40 $10.40 1 April 2010 $12.75 $10.20 $10.20 1 April 2009 $12.50 $10.00 $10.00 1 April 2008 $12.00 $9.60 $9.60 Minimum wage rates from March 1997 to April 2007 In force from: Adult Youth Training 1 April 2007 $11.25 $9.00 $9.00 27 March 2006 $10.25 $8.20 $8.20 21 March 2005 $9.50 $7.60 $7.60 1 April 2004 $9.00 $7.20 $7.20 24 March 2003 $8.50 $6.80 $6.80 18 March 2002 $8.00 $6.40 5 March 2001 $7.70 $5.40 6 March 2000 $7.55 $4.55 1 March 1997 $7.00 $4.20 Changes to minimum wage rules for young workers From 1 May 2013 the minimum starting-out wage replaced the minimum wage for new entrants and the training minimum wage for trainees under 20 years of age. The training minimum wage was introduced in June 2003. The youth minimum wage applied to employees aged 16 and 17 years. From 1 April 2008, the youth minimum wage was replaced with a minimum wage for new entrants, which applies to some employees aged 16 or 17 years. From 2001 to 2008 the adult minimum wage applied to employees aged 18 years and over. Prior to that, the adult minimum wage only applied to those aged 20 years and over. From 1 April 2008, the adult minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 years and over who are not new entrants or trainees. Published: 1 March 2024 Last modified: 1 April 2026 Written for: Everyone Share this page: Print this page: