Vinnies: People need a living wage, not the minimum wage

Speaking at the Society’s AGM in Nelson on March 29-30, national president Gerry Stevens said that over the past 12 months “the Society had begun helping a new class of need, ‘the working poor’”.

“These are people who have fulltime jobs, but their income is such that they live on tight budgets which have no room for unexpected emergencies, such as car repairs or a spike in power bills,” he said.

“The cost of living has hit them the hardest. These people, along with all the needy, the marginalised, the outcasts and homeless are not a problem to be solved or moved around the corner to be ‘out of sight, out of mind’. They are human beings, just like the rest of us.”

Mr Stevens questioned why when the country needs to “get back on track” it always seems to be lower socio-economic people who carry most of the burden.

Many Vinnies conferences throughout the country have reported a big increase in demand for food assistance and other forms of support over the last year. They say an increasing number of clients are in employment.

In 2025, the Society distributed 61,359 food parcels and assisted people with 28,624 budgeting and counselling sessions. Furniture was provided for 3656 households.

Requests for food assistance increased significantly in some parts of Aotearoa New Zealand, Mr Stevens said.

“People are becoming increasingly anxious over food security and their ability to put food on the table. Increasing numbers of requests are coming from working couples who live on a tight budget which is easily upset.”

Mr Stevens said the change in Government and changes in fiscal policy have seen food assistance grants disappear and many food banks have also closed, putting more pressure on the Society’s resources.

The living wage, currently $29.90 per hour, is significantly higher than the current adult minimum wage in New Zealand, which is set at $23.95 per hour. This voluntary living wage is independently calculated to reflect the income necessary for workers to afford basic necessities and live with dignity.

The living wage is independently calculated by the Family Centre Social Policy Unit and released by Living Wage Aotearoa NZ – a coalition of unions, as well as faith and community groups.

FULL STORY

Vinnies back living wage (Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ)

‘Needed more than ever’: Living wage rises to $29.90 per hour (Radio New Zealand)