Impact of pay rises slow to be felt here

Employees in Hawke's Bay enjoyed an average pay package increase of 7 per cent in 2014, according to online listings - though a local expert believes the real benefits are yet to be seen.

Statistics from seek.co.nz showed the average salary in Hawke's Bay increased to $65,625 from January to December. It was $63,672 in December 2013.

However, Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wayne Walford said he hadn't yet "heard or seen" any signs of wage increases.

"People are still saying that we have below average wages and we haven't heard about any increases. From what we have heard, people have just been knuckling down and working hard but packages have not increased.

"The low wages have been hard for our local market."

However, Mr Walford said salary trends were expected to pick up in 2015.

"We are hoping that wages will increase across the board for all sectors. The confidence levels are okay. I wouldn't say they are particularly high so we are looking to see confidence boosts then maybe the personal development of staff and development of wages."

Across the country, the average salary increased by nearly $5000 in 2014. Jobs advertised on seek.co.nz from January to December revealed average salaries increased by 7 per cent on the previous year to $76,538 per annum.

Seek general manager Janet Faulding said the increase was a reflection of New Zealand's growing economy.

"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," she said.

"The wage gap between New Zealand and Australia appears to now be closing with pay packets for roles in Australia rising by 3 per cent, compared to our 7 per cent, in 2014."

The Manawatu and Bay of Plenty regions experienced the highest growth rates with an 11 per cent and 10 per cent increase in pay packages respectively.

Those living in Wellington and Auckland were paid the most however, with an average salary of $82,357 in Wellington and $78,414 in Auckland.

Pay for roles in insurance and superannuation increased the most - by 23 per cent.

The second fastest growing salaries were in real estate and property, with an increase of 16 per cent to an average pay of $84,882. NZME.