Rise in Average Income

New Zealand Income Survey: June 2001 quarter

Rise in Average Income

The New Zealand Income Survey shows that average weekly income rose by 6.0 per cent, from $447 to $474 between the June 2000 and June 2001 quarters, according to Statistics New Zealand. This rate of growth compares with an average of 3.1 per cent for the previous three years. The increase in average weekly income has been driven by a 3.2 per cent increase in the numbers of people in paid employment, and a rise in average hourly earnings of 4.7 per cent. Over the past year labour market conditions have improved. Employment is up by 3.2 per cent, total actual hours worked have increased by 3.0 per cent and the unemployment rate is at a 13-year low.

Between the June 2000 and June 2001 quarters, average weekly income for males increased by $32 (5.7 per cent) and by $23 (6.8 per cent) for females. The higher percentage increase for females is due to the increasing proportion of females working full time.

Average hourly earnings for those earning income from wages and salaries increased by 4.7 per cent from $15.61 in the June 2000 quarter to $18.33 in the June 2001 quarter. Median hourly income in comparison was $13.55 in the June 2000 quarter and $14.00 in the June 2001 quarter.

In the June 2001 quarter, average weekly income for all people was highest in the Wellington region at $547, followed by Auckland at $514 and Southland at $491. The lowest average weekly incomes were for the Otago region at $401 and the Northland region at $405.

Brian Pink Government Statistician END

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