New Zealand Salary Survey & Tax Freedom Day

So the good news is, New Zealanders are getting paid more. According to the just released 2006 Hays Salary Survey, which covers 13 sectors in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington: 58 per cent of employers increased salaries by 3-6 per cent and 25 per cent increased by less than 3 per cent.  Some 13 per cent of employers raised salaries by 6-10 per cent and 4 per cent lifted salaries by more than 10 per cent.

The bad news is, since January 1st, those hard earned pay rises went straight to taxes. That's right - today (June 1st) is this year's Tax Freedom Day - the average New Zealander has had to work 151 days to pay off taxes - 6 days longer than last year, and about 3 weeks longer than Australia's.  From here on out Kiwis can actually keep what they earn!