The company has been investing in team members through training programmes, wellbeing initiatives and creating job opportunities
Ngāi Tahu Tourism has announced its commitment to the living wage of $20.55 and increased its minimum wage.
Since 2015, Ngāi Tahu Tourism has had a particular focus on investing in te whānau tāpoi (team members) through training programmes, wellbeing initiatives and creating job opportunities.
Lisa Tumahai, Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, said the intention of the announcement is to look after employees and operate according to Ngāi Tahu values.
“Te Rūnanga set a goal to our companies to increase the wages they are offering their staff, so it is great to see Ngāi Tahu Tourism pick up the challenge,” said Tumahai.
“I hope other tourism companies follow the lead of Ngāi Tahu Tourism.”
Quinton Hall, chief executive at Ngāi Tahu Tourism, said the change has already positively impacted over 200 staff.
“We want all of our people to be paid fairly and at a level which is not only sustainable for our business but also recognises the value that every individual brings to our mahi (work),” said Hall.
“This wage movement is a large investment for our business, but it will make a big difference to our people and their whanau (extended family), which is important to us.”
“People are at the forefront of our business and our experiences, and we want to ensure we are retaining and attracting great people into the tourism industry, so we can offer world-class experiences to the more than one million customers we host every year.”
Earlier in the month, Wellington City Council become the first Living Wage council in New Zealand.
The council joined about 110 accredited Living Wage Employers on the 2018 list committed to paying the Living Wage to all workers, including those employed by contractors.
This followed the announcement by the Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins that all employees in the core public service will receive an hourly rate of at least the Living Wage.
Hipkins said most of the workers who will benefit work in 13 government departments, and are clerical and administration workers, welfare workers, contact centre workers and assistant customs officers.
