Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year.

This comes amid difficult conditions impacting the sector, which faced shrinking margins and falling sales.

It was also lower than the annual rate of inflation, which was 4.1 percent in the June quarter.

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says many workers also make extra money off commissions - and the sector offers significant contributions to workers' KiwiSavers. 

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Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year.
This comes amid difficult conditions impacting the sector, which faced shrinking margins and falling sales.
It was also lower than the annual rate of inflation, which was 4.1 percent in the June quarter.
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says many workers also make extra money off commissions - and the sector offers significant contributions to workers' KiwiSavers.&nbsp;
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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.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on wages rising one percent amid economic downturn

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/a3fa1f98-373f-4bba-88fc-b49c007598df/transcript

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Tuesday, 4 August, 2026, Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges calls for a split up of gentailers, unlocking billions into the economy.

Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick on being booted out of the House. She's claiming double standards.

AA road safety spokesman Dylan Thomsen tells us why drivers need to brush up on the road rules.

And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Phil Goff on what to do about Winston.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Tuesday, 4 August, 2026, <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/simon-bridges-auckland-business-chamber-ceo-on-the-group-calling-for-the-big-four-gentailers-to-be-broken-up/">Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges calls for a split up of gentailers, unlocking billions into the economy.</a>
Greens co-leader <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chloee-swarbrick-green-party-co-leader-defends-accusations-directed-at-speaker-gerry-brownlee/">Chloe Swarbrick on being booted out of the House. She's claiming double standards.</a>
AA road safety spokesman <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/dylan-thomsen-aa-road-safety-spokesperson-on-the-survey-highlighting-knowledge-gaps-in-kiwi-drivers/">Dylan Thomsen tells us why drivers need to brush up on the road rules.</a>
And on The Huddle, <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-what-can-we-do-about-winston/">Maurice Williamson and Phil Goff on what to do about Winston.</a>
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Full Show Podcast: 04 August 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e4dfc61c-2177-4126-98c7-b49c0076a652/transcript

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stepped in to make some changes to the upcoming early release scheme to prevent prison overcrowding.

People jailed for rape and serious child sex offences will be excluded from this scheme and Burnham has delayed the start of this from September to October.

UK correspondent Elizabeth Callaghan says Burnham has expressed interest in taking these changes further - but can't at risk of the system collapsing. 

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Over in the UK, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stepped in to make some changes to the upcoming early release scheme to prevent prison overcrowding.
People jailed for rape and serious child sex offences will be excluded from this scheme and Burnham has delayed the start of this from September to October.
UK correspondent Elizabeth Callaghan says Burnham has expressed interest in taking these changes further - but can't at risk of the system collapsing.&nbsp;
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Elizabeth Callaghan: UK correspondent on Prime Minister Andy Burnham intervening in early prison release scheme

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f993852e-1672-411b-85bf-b49c007a7f82/transcript

New Zealand red meat exports were worth $1.37 billion in June, 50 per cent higher than June last year and a record value for exports over that same period, according to new data.

The June result was supported by higher sheep meat and beef export volumes, as well as stronger global prices, while the full 2025/26 year also recorded a lift in overall export value.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.

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New Zealand red meat exports were worth $1.37 billion in June, 50 per cent higher than June last year and a record value for exports over that same period, according to new data.
The June result was supported by higher sheep meat and beef export volumes, as well as stronger global prices, while the full 2025/26 year also recorded a lift in overall export value.
The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the red meat export sector seeing a boost

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/41449ea9-fe59-4485-ac73-b49c0077048a/transcript

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on wages rising one percent amid economic downturn

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