MP Salaries FAQ
Frequently asked questions about New Zealand MP pay
$181,200
342
1960-2025
$427M
1How much do New Zealand MPs earn?
Since 1 July 2026, the base salary for a New Zealand Member of Parliament is $181,200 a year — the rate the Remuneration Authority sets for an ordinary MP (Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances Determination 2024, Schedule 1 Part 4). Ministers, the Prime Minister, party leaders, whips and other office-holders are paid more.
2What is the Prime Minister of New Zealand's salary?
Since 1 July 2026, the Prime Minister of New Zealand is paid $520,500 a year, the highest rate in Parliament. The Deputy Prime Minister is paid $369,800. Both are set by the Remuneration Authority (Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances Determination 2024, Schedule 1 Part 4).
3How are MP salaries determined in New Zealand?
MP salaries in New Zealand are set by the Remuneration Authority, an independent body established under the Remuneration Authority Act 1977. The Authority considers factors including the responsibilities of the role, comparable positions in the private and public sectors, and the need to attract and retain skilled people to Parliament.
4Do MPs get additional allowances on top of their salary?
Yes, MPs receive various allowances and entitlements beyond their base salary. These include accommodation allowances (especially for MPs based outside Wellington), travel allowances for constituency work, and expense budgets for running their electorate offices. These are disclosed quarterly on the Parliament website.
5How much do Ministers earn compared to regular MPs?
Since 1 July 2026, a Cabinet Minister is paid $327,100 a year, a Minister outside Cabinet $276,000, and a Parliamentary Under-Secretary $214,800, against $181,200 for an ordinary MP. These are the whole salary for the office, not an addition to the MP rate.
6What is the average MP salary in New Zealand?
Most MPs are paid the ordinary rate: $181,200 a year since 1 July 2026. Office-holders are paid more — $214,800 for a Parliamentary Under-Secretary, $276,000 for a Minister outside Cabinet, $327,100 for a Cabinet Minister, the Speaker or $309,000 for the Leader of the Opposition, and $520,500 for the Prime Minister. An average across all MPs depends on how many hold each office, so the rate is the more useful figure.
7How have MP salaries changed over time?
MP salaries have generally increased over time, adjusted by the Remuneration Authority. Our database tracks 342 MPs with total career earnings of $427,324,624 over 66 years. You can explore historical trends on our MP Salaries insights page.
8Do party leaders earn more than regular MPs?
Yes, party leaders receive additional remuneration for their leadership responsibilities. The Leader of the Opposition, minor party leaders, and deputy leaders all receive salary loadings above the base MP salary.
9Where can I find individual MP salary information?
PublicData.co.nz provides individual salary data for all New Zealand MPs. Visit our MPs directory to see each MP's current and historical salary, role history, and career earnings. We source this data from the Remuneration Authority's determinations.
10How does NZ MP pay compare to other countries?
New Zealand MP salaries are generally comparable to other Westminster parliamentary democracies. While lower than some countries like Australia and the UK, they are set at levels intended to attract qualified candidates while respecting taxpayer money.
Explore More MP Data
Data sourced from the Remuneration Authority. Current rates: Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances Determination 2024, Schedule 1 Part 4, in force since 1 July 2026. Historical figures: our records, 1960–2025.