NZ$23.95 an hour: minimum wage, leave and KiwiSaver in 2026

Holidays and sick leave

• Annual holidays: at least four weeks after 12 months’ continuous employment.
• Sick leave: 10 days a year once you qualify. You can use it for yourself, your partner or someone who depends on you.

Casual work and 8% holiday pay

Some casual workers are paid their holiday pay as they go: at least 8% of gross earnings added to each pay. That’s allowed only when work is so irregular that giving four weeks’ holidays isn’t practical. Irregular hours alone don’t qualify, and if your hours become regular, you should be moved to a permanent part-time agreement.

KiwiSaver

From 1 April 2026, default contributions went from 3% to 3.5% for both you and your employer. You can apply for a temporary rate reduction for 3 to 12 months. Contributions rise to 4% from 1 April 2028. Employers must now also contribute for 16- and 17-year-old members.

Changes on the way

• Since 21 February 2026, a new gateway test decides whether someone is a contractor or an employee.
• On 6 August 2028, the Employment Leave Act 2026 replaces the Holidays Act 2003, changing how leave is built up and paid. Until then, the current rules apply.