31/03/2026
NZ payroll changes from 1 April 2026
From 1 April 2026, employers should review their payroll settings carefully.
Key changes include:
1) The adult minimum wage increasing to $23.95 per hour, and the starting-out and training minimum wage increasing to $19.16 per hour.
2) KiwiSaver minimum employee and employer contribution rates increasing from 3% to 3.5%, applying from the first pay date on or after 1 April 2026. Employees already contributing above the minimum will not be affected unless their employer contribution is still at the minimum.
Inland Revenue also says that 16 and 17-year-old employees who are enrolled in KiwiSaver will now qualify for compulsory employer contributions, provided they meet the normal eligibility requirements.
3) The ACC earners’ levy has increased to 1.75% for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, up from 1.67% in the previous year.
If you would like help reviewing your payroll changes from 1 April 2026, feel free to get in touch.
