Despite not reaching the same level as the national average, pay packets in Manawatu recorded an increase of ?11 percent, while pay for roles in the Bay of Plenty rose 10 percent.
However, Coxco Group general manager Omi Badsar said for seasonal workers in the squash industry here, wages had gone up.
“The minimum wage has gone up to $15.39 an hour, so from our side wages have gone up.”
Mr Badsar said wages for contract work would be higher than the minimum wage and the job market was in a healthy position here.
Work and Income New Zealand also say they have not noticed any particular fall in wage rates, with the majority of roles on offer in region within the primary industries.
December was the highest-performing month for salaries, following five months of consecutive growth in the country’s average annual pay and Seek New Zealand general manager Janet Faulding said the increases reflected the positive change seen in the economy last year.
“An extra $400 or so dollars in the hand each month will make a significant difference for many New Zealanders.
“The local economy had a resoundingly good year in 2014 and it’s great to see Kiwis directly benefiting from this economic growth with higher salaries.”
