Miserable

The government has raised the minimum wage by 25 cents, to $13.75 an hour. Its a miserable increase which will do nothing to address the very real problem of poverty in New Zealand. But that's what you get when you have a National government focused on keeping labour costs low for its rich mates, rather than on ensuring every kiwi gets a fair go.

Meanwhile, over the Tasman the minimum wage is now A$15.96 an hour. At current exchange rates, that's about NZ$19.60. Which sends a clear message to kiwis wanting higher pay and a better standard of living: you won't get them here under National.