New Zealand politicians are in for a pay rise for the first time in years, however it will still put them below many of their overseas counterparts' pay packets.
The independent body tasked with setting politicians' pay recommended three 2.8 percent increases over the Parliamentary term - the first taking place from July 1.
It comes after MPs' pay was frozen for almost seven years.
The Remuneration Authority sets the pay for key public officials. After every election, the Authority will reassess MPs' pay and recommend changes if it sees fit.
Remuneration Authority chair Geoffrey Summers told AM in relation to other Westminster-style democracies, our MPs are paid around 30 percent less.
"I certainly wouldn't say that in terms of democracy paying people who run their democracies, we're certainly not ahead, we're probably a little bit behind," Summers said.
However, there has been criticism raised over the Government receiving pay raises while simultaneously cutting costs in the public sector.
It has been tough economic times for many Kiwis as the country entered a recession earlier this year. Inflation also remains sitting above the Reserve Bank's target range at 4 percent, while unemployment has rose to 4.3 percent with economists predicting the number of people out of work to grow.
Summers said in times of economic hardship, the Authority can give lower pay raises than it otherwise would have. This was done at the previous review.
"This year we've looked at it and said that the current environment doesn't quite meet that test. We need it to be prudent so that's why we have been careful with how much we've paid, or we've determined should be paid during the next three-year period," Summers said.
How New Zealand politicians' annual salaries compare
In New Zealand, ordinary MPs- aka 'backbenchers' -will earn $173,400 from July 1. This will rise to $181,200 over the three years.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's salary on July 1 will become $484,200. By the end of the Parliamentary term, the Prime Minister would be on $520,500.
However, Luxon said he will be donating his pay rise to charity.
Newshub has crunched the numbers on how politicians' new pay starting on July 1 compares to overseas counterparts (currency conversion rates are accurate as of May 3).
Canada
While Canadian prime ministers earn less than those in New Zealand, backbenchers there earn significantly more than their Kiwi counterparts.
Canada's Federal MPs earn CA$203,100 (NZ$248,898) after a recent pay rise in April - that's just under NZ$75,500 more than New Zealand MPs.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earns less than our Prime Minister, receiving CA$406,200 (NZ$497,796) after too receiving a recent pay bump.
UK
The UK has also implemented pay raises for politicians this year.
The basic annual salary for a UK MP from April 1, 2024 was £91,346 (NZ$192,042) - NZ$18,642 more than their Kiwi counterparts.
Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is a country with a similar population to New Zealand, but they too are paying their MPs more.
An Ireland MP earns €108,987 (NZ$195,998), meanwhile Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris earns €233,828 (NZ$420,604).
Australia
It's no surprise that New Zealanders can earn more working in Australia, with doctors and nurses prime examples of raking in more cash across the Tasman - and for politicians it's no different.
An Australian Federal MP earns AU$225,750 (NZ$248,652) each year - just over NZ$75,252 more than Kiwi MPs.
When compared to Australian State and Territory MPs, all salaries across the ditch are higher than in New Zealand except for Tasmania which is lower by about 9 percent, the Remuneration Authority said.
In the Australian Capital Territory, MPs earn AU$183,299 (NZ$201,894). In New South Wales they earn AU$172,576 (NZ$190,083). Northern Territory MPs get AU$166,763 (NZ$183,650). MPs in Queensland get AU$176,909. In South Australia MPs earn AU$198,276 (NZ$218,390). Tasmania MPs get AU$140,184 (NZ$154,405). Victoria MPs receive AU$198,839 (NZ$219,010) and MPs in Western Australia get AU$166,724 (NZ$183,638).
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earned AU$586,930 (NZ$646,472) after he received a pay rise last year.
