New Zealanders deserve a decent minimum wage that truly reflects the costs families are facing, the Labour Party says.
The adult minimum hourly wage will rise by 50 cents to $15.25 from 1 April but Labour says that is not enough.
Labour leader Andrew Little Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Labour leader Andrew Little said the government was creating a generation of "working poor".
"The minimum wage is still too low for the many workers who are dependent on it."
Mr Little said the rise of $18 a week in take-home pay would only just cover rent rises.
Prime Minister John Key Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
Prime Minister John Key defended the wage rise, saying it was generous compared to other countries.
"The latest increase will keep the minimum wage at around 50 percent of the average hourly rate, which is one of the highest proportions in the OECD."
Mr Key said it was important to keep a balance between protecting the lowest-paid workers and ensuring jobs would not be lost.
This year's increase would directly benefit 153,000 people and increase wages throughout the economy by $75 million per year, Mr Key said.
"Since coming into office we've put the minimum wage up every year but in a gradual and sustainable way," he said.
The National-led government has raised the adult minimum wage by $2.75 since 2009.
The starting-out and training hourly minimum wages rates would also increase, from $11.80 to $12.20 per hour, remaining at 80 percent of the adult minimum wage.
Increase 'miniscule'
Council of Trades Unions president Richard Wagstaff said the "miniscule" increases to the minimum wage would leave people treading water.
"We need to do a real jolt so the people on the minimum wage are actually earning enough to actually live properly."
Lobby group Living Wage Aotearoa estimates $19.80 per hour is needed to maintain a decent standard of living.
The group said employers adopting a living wage rate could making a significant difference towards addressing inequality.
Mr Key said officials had told him a living wage of just under $20 an hour would put at risk between 30,000 and 35,000 jobs.
