ok well i have peoples lives in my hands even tho i have more skills because of the minumum wage i get less than someone at mcdonalds its so annoying to be unappreciated by the government i have to work long hours everyday just so when taxes come off im sweet they should work our hours and get our pay and see how they go not all peaches when your at the bottom john your a spaz you think your making all these great changes but those small ones mean nothing give us what we're worth not that bloody difficult you get more than what your worth anywayz

Can anyone "feel" for the elected Government,when they sit back in their seaside houses and secluded mansions and have the gall to say an increase of 50 cents an hour is "justified"---by who ?? Get these "blue bloods" out into mainstream,on the streets where the normal people try to exist on the paltry low wage.What they are endeavouring to do, is to have two classes of citizens---one for the "well heeled" and the other ---the dregs of society. Every time one talks about an increase,the the most loudest protest(outside the Government)is the public business sector (Fat Cats),who employ a large percentage of the low income earners on a casual basis. If the current Government are fair dinkum and want to be seen in assisting the low income earners---then do away with taxation on a wage in the area of $20--$25,000 per annum.You can just see the pollies coughing and spluttering on their cognacs and expensive wines as they read this article. Keep the fight alive brothers, as good things come to those who wait. Have a happy day and spend that 50 cents wisely !!!

The problem with New Zealand is not the minimum wage workers it is keeping the skilled workers on $40-$45,000 who can get $70-$90,000 doing the same thing in Australia - and I know from experience Nelson has this problem. I pity those unskilled on the minimum wage but feel more for those skilled on low wages - they are the ones that New Zealand should concentrate on keeping.