Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Majority of Kiwis Think New Zealand Wages Are Too Low

Majority of Kiwis think New Zealand wages are too low

Latest survey from Canstar reveals 65% of Kiwis think that NZ wages compare poorly to other countries.

Commenting on the survey findings, the results of questioning over 2,500 Kiwis, Canstar general manager, Jose George, says:

“This is obviously a subject Kiwis feel very strongly about and to be honest, they may have a point. According to the OECD, New Zealand’s average wage is lower than that of many other countries including UK, Australia and the USA.

“These countries also tend to be the places that large numbers of Kiwis spend their OE and/or live before returning home. In addition, a large number of immigrants to New Zealand originated from these countries (Australia and UK in particular) so personal experience could be of higher wages.”

In addition to lower average wages, according to the OECD, New Zealand continues to experience a growing disparity between our highest and lowest earners. This is in spite of a healthy New Zealand economy, GDP growing by an average 2.8% per annum and employment growth averaging 2.5% per annum, over the last five years.

George continues:

“On a national level we have positive economic and employment growth, but at a consumer level there is the much publicised ‘inflated housing market’, talk of insurance rate hikes and fuel prices rising, to name but a few. It’s not surprising that people are feeling like inflation is evident everywhere other than their wage packet.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“Our survey revealed a staggering 71% Kiwi Gen Xers – who make up the major part of our workforce – feel that wages in New Zealand are low. We think it’s reasonable to assume that GenXers are more likely to have experience of different jobs and job markets and have stronger opinions of their own value, so their views should be pretty well formed.

“Labour market shortages have already been highlighted by some industries and by some regional agencies. As our population is set for continued growth wage disparity, and the role it plays in attracting skilled workers, does not look like an issue that is going to disappear.”

Who thinks what?

• Woman (68%) more than men (61%) feel that wages are low in New Zealand compared to other countries.

• 60% of Baby Boomers, 71% of Gen Xers and 63% of Gen Yers think wages are low in New Zealand compared to other countries.

• 75% of people in Nelson feel that wages are low in New Zealand compared to other countries. This is higher than any other region.

• 62% of people in Otago feel that wages are low in New Zealand compared to other countries. This is lower than any other region and slightly less than the national average of 65%.


ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.