Whānau Manaaki attended the Living Wage AGM in Wellington last week; after joining the movement as a community organisation (Communications and Strategic Engagement Advisor Jenny Davies and Piri'anga Alofa Pacific and Community Services Administrator Elijah Mareko appear in the picture above)

The Living Wage movement has three strands – community groups (such as Whānau Manaaki and other non-government organisations), faith groups and unions. Joining as a community organisation is different than becoming an accredited employer, which Whānau Manaaki is working towards.

The Living Wage movement promotes the idea of paying a living wage to all staff, including cleaners and security staff who may be employed by external contractors, and who are usually paid the minimum wage regardless of experience. 

The living wage is a voluntary wage that aims to lift the incomes of low-paid workers. It covers the cost of living, including rent, transportation, broadband internet, and savings.  It allows workers to live with dignity, participate in society, and be lifted out of poverty. The living wage is set at a rate which means people can participate in society, not just get by.

The Living Wage rate is set by researchers at the Family Centre which is based in Lower Hutt.  The current rate is $27.80. It is $4.65 above the current minimum wage of $23.15.