The Living Wage Movement Aotearoa congratulates GWRC councillors, staff, and,most importantly,the community that has come together to see the regional council become a Living Wage Employer.

Rev. Stephen King said in his address to the council:

“It is almost two years to the day since GWRC councillors passed a motion to pursue Living Wage Accreditation. We set up a working group with the Council and have worked closely with them to ensure a smooth path toward GWRC stepping up and becoming a Living Wage Employer.”

He added:

“This move ensures a long-term commitment to all Council workers, enabling them to live with dignity and be valued for the contribution they make to Council operations.”

This outcome is the result of sustained community organising. In August 2023, the Council agreed in principle to pursue accreditation following an open letter from the community and, later, a packed council chamber of community, faith, and union groups to seal the commitment.

Living Wage Accreditation ensures that the Council’s directly employed workers and contracted staff—such as cleaners, security guards, biosecurity workers, and restoration workers—are guaranteed the Living Wage each year.

The Living Wage Movement also welcomed the Council’s decision to consider accelerating the transition of the transport operators’ contract to the Living Wage through next year’s Annual Plan.

Congratulations to GWRC for taking this significant step towards eliminating in-work poverty in the region.

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