The Minister-in-charge says the Government is striking the right balance on lifting the minimum wage.

It's rising two percent from April to $23.15 an hour from $22.70- affecting up to 145,000 workers.

Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says it's about protecting the incomes of the lowest paid New Zealanders.

"We're striking a balance between protecting the incomes of our lowest-paid workers in the economy- and also maintaining the labour market settings that encourage employment."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Minister-in-charge says the Government is striking the right balance on lifting the minimum wage.
It's rising two percent from April to $23.15 an hour from $22.70- affecting up to 145,000 workers.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden says it's about protecting the incomes of the lowest paid New Zealanders.
"We're striking a balance between protecting the incomes of our lowest-paid workers in the economy- and also maintaining the labour market settings that encourage employment."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.