The average household's income rose 5.2 per cent in the year ended June but its housing costs were almost unchanged.

Even with two earners, Donna and Terry Victory struggle on below-average wages to feed themselves and their 14-year-old daughter.

Salaries are still rising, especially in Wellington.

Department bosses told those who don't perform face cuts so those who do well can be rewarded.

$35,000 increase stuns Manukau councillor, but mayor says it's based on chief's contract.

Australians work more than two billion hours of unpaid overtime a year.

Wages growth remained feeble in the September quarter as the recession took its toll on pay packets.

Heading to the courts is not always the best solution in industrial disputes, says employment lawyer Ross Crotty.

The general feel from the jobs market right now is cautious optimism, writes Kate Ross.

Tough decisions about prisons, education, pensions and tax need to be made if NZ is to avoid a looming Government debt crisis, says Treasury.