New Zealand

Superannuation and minimum wage go up tomorrow

16:37 pm on 31 March 2019

Increases in the minimum wage and superannuation kick in tomorrow, along with several measures aimed to help businesses.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson says increases in the minimum wage and superannuation will improve people's wellbeing and boost the economy. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the April 1 changes are intended to grow the economy and improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Among the measures is the largest ever rise in the minimum wage, which increases by $1.20 to $17.70 an hour.

Superannuation and veterans' pensions will increase by 2.6 percent.

A research and development incentive will provide a 15 percent tax credit to businesses that spend more than $50,000 on research and development from tomorrow.

ACC levies will also fall tomorrow.

Mr Robertson said the government's books were being managed responsibly while the changes were delivered.