In this month’s issue, we’ll take a look at changes to the minimum wage, vaccination mandates in the workplace and a few fun facts about us!
Minimum wage – are you ready?
The government has confirmed that the adult minimum wage will increase, from $20.00 to $21.20 per hour on 1 April 2022 for adults. Starting out wages increase from $16.00 to $16.96 per hour, and training wages from $16.00 to $16.96 per hour. Please see below the following information from https://www.business.govt.nz/
Why: By law, the Government must review the minimum wage rates every year.
What you’ll need to do:
- If you do have staff on minimum wage, send them a letter or email to let them know about the increase.
- If any workers are on starting-out or training wages, now is a good time to check when they’ll be eligible to move to the adult rate.
- If you pay staff minimum wages, recalculate your budget for the rest of the year, as you’ll be paying out more in wages. To work out the updated cost of your employees, use the Employee cost calculator.
- Check that any affected employment contracts are updated.
- Talk to whoever runs your payroll system to make sure they’re ready for the changes.
‘Objectivity,
Empathy,
Integrity.
This is how we partner with our clients’
UPDATE: Work requiring COVID-19 vaccination
The Government has recently updated the sectors where it is mandated that work be done by vaccinated people. According to Employment New Zealand:
Government vaccination mandates continue to apply for:
- Health and disability sector workers (which includes aged care workers)
- Prison staff
- Border and MIQ workers
From 4 April 2022, Government vaccination mandates will no longer apply for:
- Early childhood and schooling education workers
- Workers of premises where My Vaccine Pass is used (food and drink services, events, close proximity services and indoor exercise facilities like gyms)
- Work at tertiary education premises (which only applied at the Red level of the COVID-19 Protection Framework)
Government vaccination mandates are no longer in force for:
- New Zealand Police workers (sworn members, recruits and authorised officers) unless working in an environment where a mandate is required
- New Zealand Defence Force workers (Armed Forces and civilian staff) unless working in an environment where a mandate is required
To find out more or keep up to date with future changes visit: https://tinyurl.com/348net3h
A bit about us!
We decided to add a bit of fun and frivolity into our newsletter this edition… and maybe will again next time!
Here are 10 Q&A’s so you can get to know us both a little better
Jaime
What is my fondest childhood memory?
When I was about 9 – I had a friend whose father was the GM of a major toy warehouse. My Mum got a call to let me know that there had been a flood at the father’s place of work and only the boxes were damaged, not the toys. There were skip bins of undamaged toys and I was I was invited in to fill a black rubbish sack full of new toys. I got about 3 ‘My Child’ Dolls, 10 Popples, 20 barbies and heaps more. It was a dream! I was the child of a very disadvantaged single mother; I didn’t have much, and this felt like I won lotto. I will never forget it!
What is my favourite comfort food?
Macaroni Cheese – without a doubt – it reminds me of childhood, and my Mum. Also mashed potato is a close follow up!
What’s my favourite way to exercise?
Swimming and Walking – both allow me to meditate and close my mind off.
Am I a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl – Getting out of bed has always been an issue for me!
If I could have any superpower, what would it be?
I’d love to be invisible so I could listen in on people’s conversations (It’s the Investigator in me!)
Do I prefer cooking, baking, or neither?
Cooking is a no, no – I have a husband who is a wonderful cook. I like baking with my 9-year-old.
Am I an introvert or an extrovert?
Extroverted introvert. I am fine in a social environment for a short time and am very bubbly, but I recharge in my own space. I could happily be by myself for a week at home with books and Netflix and music and I wouldn’t get lonely or bored.
What superhero do I find most relatable?
I love Wonder Woman – She was so strong and so ahead of her time.
What is my favourite season of the year – and what do I love most about it?
I love winter when I get to cuddle in my trackies and PJs.
Am I more of a coffee person or a tea person?
Iced coffee without fail in the morning (summer or winter) and tea at night. I also like herbal iced tea with sparking water. Coffee is not my friend after lunch, so I have to restrict it.
Amy
What is my fondest childhood memory?
The Summer’s of the 90’s – camping trips to Papamoa Beach with my whanau. Waking up for early morning swims with my Dad, falling asleep at night with the sound of waves. Doing the ‘pipi shuffle’ then making Pipi Fritters, running wild around the campground with our friends and hanging out playing ping-pong in the games room, where all the older kids congregated – I thought they were so cool! The typical carefree kiwi camping trips, they were the best, and something I hope to recreate with my young family.
What is my favourite comfort food?
Vegemite and melted butter on Vogels toast. Yum!
What’s my favourite way to exercise?
Walking and running, free weights and HIIT classes (reminds me, I need to get back into all of the above!)
Am I a morning person or a night owl?
Neither really… I’m definitely not coping with 6am starts these days!
If I could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation I like the idea of freedom of movement. It would make my frequent road trips to Tauranga – not to mention travelling to Europe, WHENEVER I WANTED!
Do I prefer cooking, baking, or neither?
I’m not much of a cook or baker for that matter, however, my hubby loves to cook so I feel like I’m winning. We would be terrible together on an episode of My Kitchen Rules!
Am I an introvert or an extrovert?
Extrovert – I’ll be honest, do get a bit of social anxiety when in a room full of strangers, but I love to be around people – I love being surrounded by family and thrive on planning a get together with friends.
What superhero do I find most relatable?
Wonder Woman, she’s bad ass, and has been considered a symbol of truth, justice and equality to people everywhere!!
What is my favourite season of the year – and what do I love most about it?
Summer – Beaches, Sunshine and Barbeques and Kiwi Dub/Reggae
Am I more of a coffee person or a tea person?
Coffee… way too much… ALL the time!