New Zealand wage growth 'worst in the world' - OECD report
A new OECD report indicates that New Zealand has experienced the worst real wage growth among all OECD countries over the past five years. While economists suggest the data measurement method may be flawed, the findings highlight a significant cost-of-living crisis.
Why it matters
The report underscores the economic challenges facing New Zealand households and the broader impact of global inflation on wage purchasing power.
New Zealanders have had some of the worst wage growth in the world in recent years, when adjusted for inflation.
The OECD released its latest employment outlook research on Tuesday, looking at disparities in jobs and incomes around the world. Australian commentators noted that Australia performed poorly - but this side of the Tasman fared even worse.
The data showed New Zealand had the worst wage growth after inflation over the past five years, of any OECD country.
"Despite persistent annual growth, in Q1 2026, real wages remained below their Q1 2021 levels in about one-third (13) of the 37 countries analysed," the report said.
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