New Zealand Announces Update to Hourly Wage for Tourism and Hospitality Roles

New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sector is recovering post-COVID, prompting the government to implement wage adjustments for industry workers. These changes affect employers sponsoring workers on Accredited Employer Work Visas.

New Minimum Hourly Wage

Employers must pay workers in designated tourism and hospitality roles a minimum of NZD $28.18 per hour, representing 95 percent of the median wage. This took effect on 24 April 2023.

Affected Occupations

The wage requirement applies to 27 job categories, including:

• Management roles: Hotel managers, club managers, event organisers
• Service positions: Waiters, bartenders, baristas, receptionists
• Specialised roles: Tour guides, diving instructors, trekking guides
• Support staff: Kitchen hands, housekeepers, luggage porters

Progression to Full Median Wage

The minimum increases to 100 percent of the median wage by April 2024, aligning tourism and hospitality with other sectors.

What This Means for Employers

If you employ migrant workers in tourism or hospitality, you must ensure your wage rates comply with these thresholds. Non-compliance can affect your employer accreditation status.

Update (March 2025): The general median wage requirement for the AEWV was removed effective 10 March 2025. Employers must now pay at least the New Zealand minimum wage, though some roles may have specific thresholds under sector agreements. Check immigration.govt.nz for current wage requirements.

For guidance on wage requirements and employer obligations, contact ProVisas for a free consultation.