‘We realise the importance of people having access to a remuneration that can fairly accommodate them’
Heartland Bank (Heartland) has announced it is pleased to join over 200 accredited Living Wage Employers in New Zealand.
All Heartland employees and workers providing services to Heartland through a contractor or supplier will be paid no less than the living wage.
Heartland’s Chief People & Culture Officer Keira Billot said becoming an accredited Living Wage employer was “the right thing to do”.
“We realise the importance of people having access to a remuneration that can fairly accommodate them, leading to better quality of life and greater opportunities,” she explained.
“Our people are the most important part of who we are. Becoming an accredited Living Wage employer was the right thing to do for our Heartland whanau and to contribute to making a positive difference for New Zealanders.”
Read more: Porirua City Council set to introduce the living wage
The Living Wage is the voluntary hourly rate a worker needs to pay for life’s necessities and actively participate in their community.
It is calculated independently each year by the New Zealand Family Centre Social Policy Unit and reflects the cost of basic expenses such as food, housing, transport and childcare.
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“We’re incredibly proud to be a Living Wage employer and to be supporting New Zealand towards creating positive change for our people and rangatahi to come,” said Billot.
The announcement follows Kiwibank who in May became an accredited Living Wage Employer.
Read more: Hospital attendants to strike for Living Wage
Even though direct employees of Kiwibank have earned the Living Wage for some time, accreditation means workers like cleaners, security guards and maintenance people, who work for Kiwibank through contractors and other suppliers, will be paid no less than the living wage too.
Kiwibank’s Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich said in the time of Covid-19 the fact the bank had become an accredited Living Wage Employer was positive news.
“At this time doing the right thing as an employer couldn’t be more important. Every member of our team plays a vital role in the daily running of the bank and paying the Living Wage demonstrates our commitment to all contributions,” he said.