9The following information applies as of 1 April 2010

The Minimum Wage Act 1983 provides statutory minimum wage levels.

The current minimum wage rates, before tax, are:

Adult Minimum Wage - $12.75 per hour

The Adult Minimum Wage applies to employees aged 18 and over. However, it also applies to 16 and 17 year olds who have worked for more than 3 months or 200 hours (whichever is less). This does not have to be with the same employer and work carried out before 1 April 2008 counts towards this total. Work carried out before the employee turns 16 does not count towards this total.

They will also be eligible to earn adult minimum wage rates if they are responsible for managing/training other staff.

New Entrants Minimum Wage - $10.20 per hour

The "New Entrants Minimum Wage" applies to 16 and 17 year olds who have been working for less than 3 months or 200 hours after their 16th birthday, and are not responsible for managing/training other staff.

There is no minimum wage for employees under 16 years of age.

A deduction of up to 15% is allowed if you provide board and lodging or 5% for just board.

The minimum training wage is set at the same as the new entrants minimum wage.

If you pay an employee by commission only or on piece rate, they are still entitled to a minimum wage.  The total amount they earn must not be less than the minimum wage.

One exception to the above is if you employ someone who because of a recognised disability would be incapable of earning the minimum wage.  In this case you can apply for an under rate permit which would allow the employee to work for less than the minimum rate.

You are required by law to keep all records of pay for a minimum of six years.