The wager: Hamilton workers on the minimum wage increase

On April 1, the NZ minimum wage will increase from $15.75 to $16.50. We asked people who were working in Hamilton what their opinions were on the matter.

Lungi N, 27

Did you know about the minimum wage increase happening next week?

Yes.

What do you think about the increase?

It’s good. It helps people who may not work many hours (not students/people on benefits) like casuals who may want money but have to much pride to go on a benefit.

Do you think it is going up by the right amount?

The increase should depend on age/circumstance. Maybe an open conversation with the employer about what they need money for, e.g. kids.

Does the increase affect you?

N/A.

Do you think it will make it harder for people to get jobs?

Employers may hire more casual workers.

Also skill wise harder. Businesses are spending more money on staff so they want to make sure they are hiring skilled people. There are free programmes to help you up-skill though, so people should be taking advantage of them. The government is stepping up for us so we should step up to try and increase our knowledge.

Caleb Pribicevich, 22, from Raglan

Did you know about the minimum wage increase happening next week?

Yes.

What do you think about the increase?

As soon as you put up the minimum wage everything else goes up to. It’s not the answer.

Do you think it is going up by the right amount?

It will never be enough as some people only get pay rises when the minimum wage increases.  The gap between minimum wage and the average NZ wage has never been that big anyway.

Does the increase affect you?

N/A.

Shasank Regmi, 27, from Nepal 

Did you know about the minimum wage increase happening next week?

No I didn’t

What do you think about the increase?

For people that are on minimum wage, it is a positive because they will be getting more. However, I don’t think that it is enough.

Do you think it is going up by the right amount?

No, I don’t think so, it’s only going up by cents so it is not being increased enough.

Does the increase affect you?

No, it doesn’t, I’m not on minimum wage but I think it is a good thing.

Emma Merito, 20, from Whakatane 

Did you know about the minimum wage increase happening next week?

Yes I did know.

What do you think about the minimum wage increase?

Oh, I love it!

Do you think it is going about by the right amount?

Hell no! Let’s bump it up to $17.50 I reckon. Everybody on minimum are doing the dumb jobs.

Does the minimum wage increase affect you?

Yeah, I’m on minimum wage so I’m happy.

Abby Hooper, 19, from Cambridge

Did you know about the minimum wage increase happening next week?

Yes.

What do you think about the minimum wage increase?

Well, this is the first time I am having to look after myself, so yeah, I am very happy about the increase.

Do you think it is going about by the right amount?

I am new to the workforce, so whatever increase there is, I’ll take it.

Does the minimum wage increase affect you?

My working hours are going to increase as well along with the wage. So yeah, I have quite a bit to adapt to.

Mansi Patel, 25, from India

Did you know about the minimum wage increase happening next week?

Yeah.

What do you think about the minimum wage increase?

I am very happy about it.

Do you think it is going about by the right amount?

I was all right with the previous wage,  so any increase will be a good thing.

Does the minimum wage increase affect you?

Of course, it is going to increase the quality of my life.