New Zealand Median Wage Increase 2026: NZD $35.00/Hour Effective March 9 – Major Impacts on AEWV, Green List Salary Thresholds, Partner Support & Residence Pathways
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 20 minutes ago
Published: 2026-02-27T09:37+05:30 (IST) Xavio
New Zealand's immigration system is set for another major adjustment with the annual median wage update, effective March 9, 2026. The immigration median wage will rise from NZ$33.56 to NZ$35.00 per hour, based on Stats NZ June 2025 labour market data. While the general median wage requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) was removed in March 2025, numerous linked settings will automatically increase — affecting job checks, Green List eligibility, partner support thresholds, maximum stay durations, and skilled residence pathways.
This change coincides with the addition of 47 new occupations to the National Occupation List (NOL), including a clearer breakdown of chef roles by skill level and seniority. Employers recruiting foreign workers, visa holders planning extensions or residence applications, and families supporting partners/children must review their strategies immediately to avoid disruptions.
Key Impacts of the Median Wage Increase (March 9, 2026)
The new NZ$35.00/hour median wage will trigger automatic updates across multiple immigration categories. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Green List Pay Requirements:
Many Green List occupations (Tier 1 & 2) that don't have specific thresholds must now pay at least NZ$35.00/hour (up from $33.56).
Partner support threshold for Green List roles: Increases to NZ$35.00/hour (from $33.56).
Exemptions from Advertising & Minimum Skill Requirements:
Roles paid at least twice the median wage ($70.00/hour, up from $67.12) remain exempt from job advertising and skill assessments in AEWV applications.
Maximum Stay for Lower-Skilled Roles:
Workers in ANZSCO skill levels 4–5 earning at least 1.5 times the median wage ($52.50/hour, up from $50.34) can still qualify for the maximum 5-year continuous stay on an AEWV.
Partner & Dependent Child Support Thresholds:
For skill levels 1–3: Partner support rises to NZ$28.00/hour (from $26.85).
For skill levels 4–5: Partner support increases to NZ$52.50/hour (from $50.34).
Skilled Residence Pathways:
Wage thresholds for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Green List Straight to Residence, and Transport Work to Residence (WTR) will all adjust upward in line with the new median.
Example: SMC points for pay at or above median → now NZ$35.00/hour.
These pathways remain key routes to residency for AEWV holders meeting the criteria.
NOL Expansion: Concurrently, 47 new skill level 1–3 occupations are added to the NOL for AEWV job checks, including refined chef categories (e.g., Head Chef, Sous Chef, Commis Chef). This allows employers to submit job checks for these roles from March 9, with the 14-day advertising period and genuine recruitment proof still required.
These indexed increases are based on Stats NZ's annual June quarter data and apply automatically — no grace period mentioned, so pending applications may need salary adjustments if not finalized before March 9.
Why the Median Wage Matters in New Zealand Immigration (2026 Context)
New Zealand's median wage serves as a dynamic benchmark tied to labour market statistics, ensuring immigration policies reflect economic realities. The increase to NZ$35.00/hour (a ~4.2% rise from 2025) follows June 2025 data showing wage growth amid inflation and recovery.
While the core AEWV median wage rule was scrapped in 2025 (allowing lower-paid roles if advertised properly), the median still underpins "premium" benefits like exemptions, longer stays, and family support — incentivizing higher-paying jobs for foreign workers.
For employers:
Review current AEWV salaries — if below new thresholds, workers may lose eligibility for extensions or family visas
For new hires in NOL occupations, ensure pay meets Green List or exemption levels to maximize benefits
For visa holders:
If supporting partners/children, confirm income meets updated thresholds (e.g., $52.50/hour for skill 4–5)
Those on Green List paths: Verify role-specific pay requirements haven't shifted
Practical Implications & Employer Strategies for March 2026
Hiring & Recruitment:
For roles at 2x median ($70.00/hour): Still exempt from advertising/skills checks — a big win for high-salary positions.
Green List jobs without fixed thresholds now require $35.00/hour minimum.
Family Sponsorship:
Partners of AEWV holders in lower-skill roles face a higher bar ($52.50/hour) — this could affect thousands of families.
Residence Transitions:
SMC applicants need to hit the new median for points; Green List Straight to Residence thresholds adjust accordingly.
Employers should audit ongoing AEWV cases and upcoming job checks before March 9. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has advised no transition relief, so proactive salary reviews are essential.
Background – How New Zealand's Wage System Evolved
The median wage has been a cornerstone of NZ immigration since 2017, originally set at $25.50/hour and increasing annually. The 2025 removal of the general AEWV median requirement was a major deregulation to boost employer flexibility amid post-COVID recovery, but linked settings like Green List and family support were preserved to maintain "quality" migration.
The 2026 increase reflects Stats NZ's June 2025 data, showing average wage growth of ~4% amid inflation stabilization. INZ expects the new rate to balance worker protections with business needs.
Looking Ahead – Annual Wage Reviews & Potential Reforms
The median wage is recalculated each year based on June quarter data, with changes typically effective in February/March. For 2027, expect another ~3–5% increase if wage trends continue.
INZ has hinted at a 2026 review of the NOL and Green List to add more occupations, potentially in response to ongoing shortages in aged care, construction, and hospitality. Stay tuned for mid-2026 announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions – NZ Median Wage Increase 2026
Q: When does the new $35.00/hour median take effect? March 9, 2026 — all linked settings update automatically.
Q: Does this bring back the AEWV median wage rule? No — general AEWV pay is still market-rate (with advertising if below certain levels), but exemptions, stays, and family support are tied to the median.
Q: What if my AEWV salary is below the new threshold? You can still hold the visa, but may lose eligibility for 5-year stay or partner support. Adjust salary at renewal if needed.
Q: How does this affect Green List roles? Non-specific pay roles now require $35.00/hour; partner support threshold rises to $35.00/hour.
Q: Where can I find the full 2026 NOL list? On the Immigration New Zealand website.
For the official median wage announcement, updated thresholds, NOL additions, and application guidance, visit Immigration New Zealand’s Wage Requirements for Work Visas page.
Read More
For more on recent AEWV changes and how they affect employers, read our guide: AEWV Update: Key Changes.
To explore New Zealand’s investor visa options for high-net-worth individuals, see: Navigating New Zealand’s New Investor Visa Pathway.
For the latest on 2025 AEWV salary updates, check: New Zealand AEWV Changes 2025: Updated Salary Thresholds.
Explore our dedicated New Zealand immigration section for real-time alerts, wage calculators, NOL tools, and visa strategies.
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