Wairarapa Labour Party chairman Kieran McAnulty said he finds it "no coincidence" that government has increased the minimum wage by a "miserable" 25c an hour just a week after a very public campaign to increase the minimum wage from $13.50 to $15.
On Tuesday Minister for Labour Simon Bridges announced the minimum wage would increase by 25c to $13.75, resisting political calls from the public and opposition parties to increase the minimum wage by $1.50. He said he wanted to protect low income earners, employers and protect jobs.
Mr McAnulty said while struggling families would welcome any increase he was disappointed by the latest 25c increase, which equates to a rise of about $8 a week after tax.
"In my opinion the latest move is a token gesture which probably lacks substance.
" When you think that Wairarapa is one of the lowest paid regions in the country it's not going to make much difference.