Pushing for a living wage as opposed to a minimum wage has been tagged impractical in the current economic climate by a Wanganui budget adviser.
Sandy Fage, co-ordinator of the Wanganui Budget Advisory Service, said boosting the wage from the present $12 an hour to $18.40 would create a price spiral that would mean any wage increases would be nullified.
A coalition of union and community groups has proposed a "living wage" of $18.40 was needed. That figure is based on the cost of Otago University's "basic" food diet for a couple with two children ($226 a week), the national lower-quartile rent for a three-bedroom house of $275 a week, and other costs totalling $537 a week based on the average spending by families earning below the median household income for couples with two children.
Minister of Labour Simon Bridges said the idea was subjective and simplistic and would not be a Government priority. But he said the minimum wage would continue to increase.
The Government is expected to decide whether or not it moves to a $13.50-an-hour minimum wage - it is currently $13 - soon with the new rate applying from April 1.