Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealands campaign brings together organisations concerned about growing poverty and inequality in New Zealand such as unions, community and faith-based organisations.The aim of the campaign is to reduce inequality and poverty in our society by campaigning for all workers to receive a living wage.

Is it really so bad in New Zealand.?

NZ is ranked by OECD 23rd out of 30 developed countries for income inequality.
the richest 150 people in NZ grew their wealth by 20% in 2010 while wages moved by less than 2%
The top 1% of earners had more wealth than the bottom 60% or three times more than the combined cash and assets of the poorest 50%
200,000 NZ Children are likely to be living in poverty,--1 in 6 Pakeha,1 in 4 PACIFIC,And 1 in 3 Maori children.

Would Bill English Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance understand what a Living Wage is.? He,s on at least $276,200 per year plus other entitlements. He was asked on TV1 News. He was not connected to the plight of those who do not receive a living wage let alone a minimum wage.

Perhaps its time that Ministers were put on" PERFORMANCE PAY"Now that would be interesting.?

How can the Living Wage be calculated.?

It should reflect the basic expenses of the workers and their families such as food,transportation,housing and childcare.I understand Living Wage Aotearoa NZ have begun to research a figure that could form the basis of a living wage.

I think the last para., of my post #28 bares repeating "There is no need what so ever to bring party politics into play to achieve this and all parties should form an accord to achieve the prosperity of 1. the workers. 2. the employers and 3. the country as a whole!"

IMHO all you are doing DrL is spouting Labour Party rhetoric and like I said before "Has No Place" here in our discussion!

The voters showed what they thought of the Labour Party last election. Keep on the way you are and I might see some merit in joining Benny!

#42 Bryan,
I am with you, with exception of merit in joining Benny, he is simply adds irrelevant often offensive comments in his political bias.
Neither Labour over 9 years nor National more recently has done much to keep workers on a living wage. When we were young we could choose whether Mum stayed home by sacrificing any luxury, now many families need Mums wage just to eat. Often the low paid worker is only marginally better off than those unemployed and has less family time also. All NZers need to fight for a living wage, regardless of political view in order to bring some pride back into the value of working to keep ones family.
Lets forget which party did what & concentrate on getting our Politicians/ fellow countrymans attention to this matter.

Bryan,Gaby-one, As I understand it the Campaign for a Living Wage in Aotearoa NZ is not to do with any party. It is led by community organisations and unions. I,ll look for website and let you know.

Bryan, and gaby-one, The Livingwage Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign which I have signed on to is supported by Service & Food Workers Union Nga Roga Tota, Auckland Action Against Poverty,Justice & Peace Commission Catholic Diocese of Auckland,We are The University (WATU), Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel,PACIFICA(Auckland Branch.) Sikh Womens Association,Closing The Gap,Anglican Social Justice Commissioner, Budgeting and Family Support Services,Mangere,Lifewise,Auckland Womens Centre,Child Poverty Action Group. No Political parties there I see. I,ll keep you posted..

How does one define a "living wage"? What one person could quite happily live on could be a nightmare for another person. In 1990 when I thought I was doing really well earning $35,000pa, I had two men in my office bleating on about how hard they were finding it trying to cope with living on $80,000pa. Even today I would be quite happy with $35,000pa but unfortunately NZ Super doesn't run to that much even for a couple.

Bryan and Gabyone, Cont,d......
Age Concern Counties Manukau,
Aucland Central Niue Community
Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (Te Atatu)
Downtown Community Ministry.
EPMU.
First Union.
Hutt Union and Health Service.
Maritime Union of New Zealand.
New Zealand Coalition to End Homelessness
NZ Council of Trade Unions,
NZ Educational Institute.
NZ Nurses Organisation,
NZ Post Primary Teachers Association.
NIUE Community Auckland Central
Onehunga Co-operating Parish,
Pay Equity Challenge Coalition,
People First,
PIC Newton--Niue Group.
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand.
Public Service Association.
Rail and Maritime Union.
St Andrews On The Terrace.
St Matthews In The City Anglican Church.
St Stephens Presbyterian Church.
Tertiary Education Union (AK University Branch.
Touch of Christ Church.
UNITE Union.
Waitakere Pacific Board.
Waitakere Health Centre.
Wesley Community Action.
Working Womens Resource Centre........ tbc.

Are all these organisations given cash handouts from the Govt, via taxpayer. No wonder there is nothing left when they all have at least 3-4 directors on 5 figures annually. have a car each and have no time for anything but hot air, it seems. At least the nuns who worked for the Catholic church in Human Resource centres, did so free for their board and keep.

The country is over run by these important dept's supposedly for the good of the hardup and every other need, yet they are always arriving after the stable door closed and never seem to have to account publically on what they have achieved for the money apart from keeping employees on a payrole.