West Auckland Trusts has moved its entire workforce to a living wage – bringing the planned shift forward by almost two years. 

The move affects more than 300 staff across the organisation’s 35 retail stores, hospitality venues and hotels.

From 1 September, staff will receive a new living wage rate of at least $22.75 per hour, which is $2.75 above the government’s new minimum wage level. All waged employees who currently earn above the organisation's starting rate also receive an increase of $2 per hour.

The Trusts says the change will cost the organisation almost $750,000 per annum and is in addition to a 10% support payment announced last week to acknowledge their frontline staff working during the pandemic. This payment will remain in place during Alert Levels 3 and 4.

Trusts CEO, Allan Pollard, says the living wage was originally planned for the second quarter of 2023, however new financial projections mean these plans can now take immediate effect.

“It is our aim to ensure that our team members feel more valued and that this will make a material difference to their wellbeing and that of their whānau.

“We would also like to see this move encourage other organisations in the industry to follow our lead and give back to their staff in this way.”