Green Party Proposes Paid Placements and Higher Apprentice Wages

The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand has unveiled a series of policies aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages in health, education, and trades. The party proposed a universal weekly payment of $380 for students undertaking compulsory practical training in essential roles, including nursing, teaching, medicine, and social work. To further support these students, the plan includes a $1,500 relocation payment. The party estimates this initiative will cost between $74 million and $80 million annually, or approximately $311 million over four years to support 10,000 students, funded via a proposed wealth tax.

In a separate announcement at a construction site in Remuera, the party proposed abolishing the apprentice training wage, which currently allows employers to pay apprentices 80% of the adult minimum wage. Co-leaders argue that this inadequate pay has contributed to apprentice numbers hitting a 15-year low. The proposed alternative includes a $2,000 equipment grant for apprentices and a $2,000 bonus for employers who help trainees complete their qualifications.

To address systemic inequities, the party intends to invest $30 million annually in Māori and Pasifika-led training. The independent firm Infometrics verified the estimated annual cost of the apprentice policy at $117.35 million. Co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick stated these measures are necessary to prevent students from lower-income backgrounds from dropping out of essential sectors due to financial hardship.