Quick Legal Update: 1st April KiwiSaver & Minimum Wage Changes

Episode 65 of the Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right podcast, hosted by Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani, titled "Quick Legal Update: 1st April KiwiSaver & Minimum Wage Changes" was published on March 28, 2026 and runs 12 minutes.

March 28, 2026 ·12m · Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

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Summary

The two biggest payroll changes of the year land on the same day! In this episode, join Sanam as she breaks down exactly what changes are coming up on 1 April 2026, what you need to do before your first April pay run, and the questions that are front of mind for employers. Sanam covers: The change to KiwiSaver default rates The pay date rule that trips people up when a pay period crosses 1 April What to do when an employee says they can't afford the increase The employer contribution trap when a temporary rate reduction expires Employer KiwiSaver contributions for 16 and 17-year-olds The minimum wage increase Tune in and have those burning KiwiSaver questions answered by Sanam. Whether you have two employees or two hundred, these changes apply to you. Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow me on LinkedIn for key employment law updates. Got questions? Send them our way, and I will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. Other Minimum Wage Episodes: Minimum Wage is Increasing! Here's Your Quick 2025 Checklist Preparing for the Minimum Wage Increase on 1 April 2024 Resources: Minimum wage set for 2026 - MBIE KiwiSaver changes - IRD Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Episode Description

The two biggest payroll changes of the year land on the same day!

In this episode, join Sanam as she breaks down exactly what changes are coming up on 1 April 2026, what you need to do before your first April pay run, and the questions that are front of mind for employers.

Sanam covers:

The change to KiwiSaver default rates
The pay date rule that trips people up when a pay period crosses 1 April
What to do when an employee says they can't afford the increase
The employer contribution trap when a temporary rate reduction expires
Employer KiwiSaver contributions for 16 and 17-year-olds
The minimum wage increase

Tune in and have those burning KiwiSaver questions answered by Sanam. Whether you have two employees or two hundred, these changes apply to you.

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow me on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and I will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected].

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Other Minimum Wage Episodes:

Resources:

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.