New Zealand Private Sector Wage Settlements 2026
Published by Adelhelm New Zealand
Research and analysis by Fred Adelhelm & Jasmine Hoskin
Published 24 August 2026
Adelhelm New Zealand’s 2026 Collective Agreement Settlements Survey found that the average general wage increase contained in current private-sector collective agreements is 2.86% for 2026.
The median increase is 2.90%, with the middle 50% of results sitting between 2.50% and 3.10%.
The results are based on information submitted by 75 private-sector organisations, covering 165 separate collective agreements. Each agreement was treated as one collective and the results were not weighted according to employee coverage.
These findings represent increases contained in the collective agreements included in Adelhelm’s survey and should not be interpreted as general wage growth across the entire New Zealand workforce.
The average general wage The average general wage increase in current agreements declines from 3.09% in 2025 to 2.86% in 2026 and 2.83% in 2027.
The median remains close to 3%, sitting at 3.00% in 2025, 2.90% in 2026 and 3.00% in 2027.
| Measure | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean | 3.09% | 2.86% | 2.83% |
| Median | 3.00% | 2.90% | 3.00% |
| Lower quartile | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.53% |
| Upper quartile | 3.64% | 3.10% | 3.20% |
| Minimum | 0.00% | 1.20% | 2.00% |
| Maximum | 6.00% | 6.00% | 3.20% |
While unions commonly seek CPI-plus wage increases, the survey results show that settled outcomes are clustering around the 3% mark, with most current agreements falling within a relatively narrow band.
The average general wage increase contained in current private-sector collective agreements is 2.86% for 2026, with a median of 2.90%.
The middle 50% of increases sit between 2.50% and 3.10%, indicating that most current agreement increases remain clustered around the 3% mark.
The mean reduces from 3.09% in 2025 to 2.86% in 2026 and 2.83% in 2027.
The 2026 results provide employers with a practical market benchmark when developing wage budgets and preparing collective bargaining mandates.
The 2.86% average provides a useful benchmark, but it should not automatically determine an employer’s bargaining position or wage offer.
The appropriate position will depend on the organisation’s current wage rates, financial circumstances, industry, recruitment pressures, productivity and the complete package of union claims.
Employers should cost wage and non-wage claims across the full term of the proposed collective agreement before establishing a bargaining mandate.
The Adelhelm New Zealand 2026 Collective Agreement Settlements Survey includes information submitted by 75 private-sector organisations, covering 165 separate collective agreements.
The survey focuses on current collective agreements, with particular interest in agreements made between 1 June 2025 and 30 May 2026.
Each agreement is treated as one collective, and results are not weighted according to the number of employees covered. Individual company information remains confidential.
The average wage increase is only one part of the bargaining picture.
The complete 2026 Collective Agreement Settlements Survey Report provides further analysis of current private-sector collective agreements, including settlement patterns by industry and region.
Use the report to:
For questions about the report or assistance preparing for collective bargaining, contact Adelhelm New Zealand.
The average general wage increase contained in the current private-sector collective agreements included in Adelhelm’s survey is 2.86% for 2026. The median is 2.90%.
The middle 50% of 2026 increases sit between 2.50% and 3.10%.
Current agreements included in the survey provide for an average general wage increase of 2.83% in 2027. This represents increases already contained in the surveyed agreements; it is not a forecast of every agreement that may be negotiated during 2027.
No. It is a market benchmark, not a recommended offer. Employers should consider their existing wage position, affordability, labour-market conditions, productivity and the full cost of union claims.
Yes. The survey is open to private-sector companies that negotiate collective agreements with unions.
The 2026 survey includes information from 75 organisations covering 165 separate collective agreements.
The complete 2026 Collective Agreement Settlements Survey Report is available for purchase from Adelhelm New Zealand.
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