Starting from March 9, 2026, the median wage in New Zealand will be raised to NZD 35 per hour, influencing the AEWV visa criteria, Green List salary minimums, and income conditions for family sponsorship.
If you intend to work in New Zealand or recruit international personnel, this is vital information for you.
Effective March 9, 2026, New Zealand will elevate the median wage to NZD 35 per hour. Although the general median wage criterion for the Accredited Employer Work Visa was abolished last year, multiple visa regulations remain associated with this amount, leading to increased salary requirements come March.
Let’s break down the implications in straightforward terms.
What Changes Are Happening for the Accredited Employer Work Visa?
This alteration impacts the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) along with other related visas.
In March 2025, the government eliminated the overarching rule stating that most AEWV positions had to align with the median wage, thus providing employers with greater leeway.
Nonetheless, not all requirements were discarded. Certain immigration regulations remain linked to the median wage. With the median wage rising to NZD 35 per hour, the connected criteria will consequently increase as well.
Thus, while the primary wage regulation has been removed, the median wage continues to hold significance in crucial areas.
Which Immigration Regulations Will Be Impacted?
From March 9, 2026, several critical visa conditions will see an upward adjustment.
Green List Salary Requirements
If you are pursuing a Green List position, ensure you verify the new salary criteria prior to your application submission.
2. Positions Offering Twice the Median Wage
3. Maximum Five-Year Stay for Some Lower-Skilled Roles
4. Income Criteria for Partners and Dependents
Recommendations for Employers
- Existing employment agreements
- Salary proposals for future hiring
- Recruitment strategies for 2026
- Pending visa applications
Even a minor change in hourly wage can influence visa eligibility.
Employers intending to recruit overseas workers under the AEWV should establish new payment levels now instead of waiting until March.
Reasons for the Ongoing Changes
The median wage in New Zealand is derived from Stats NZ data, typically collected during the June quarter, and it can vary annually. The updated figures usually come into effect at the beginning of the year, frequently in February or March, indicating that this is not merely a singular adjustment. It forms part of a recurring annual revision cycle.
Key Takeaways for Foreign Workers
Fonte: Travelo Biz
