As high school students stepping into our voting rights, we are deeply invested in the fairness and vitality of New Zealand’s democracy. However, we have come to realise that our Members of Parliament earn salaries significantly detached from the economic reality faced by average New Zealanders—currently earning substantially more than the median worker.

This financial divide means elected officials are insulated from the impact of their own economic policies, threatening authentic representation. When leaders do not experience the same financial conditions as their constituents, it risks creating a disconnect between policy decisions and the everyday needs of the public.

To address this, we propose aligning MP salaries with the median wage starting in 2026, managed by the Remuneration Authority. Based on the June 2025 quarter median wage of NZ$35/hour, MPs would make roughly NZ$102,900/year. Tying political income to the earnings of everyday citizens ensures our representatives remain genuinely connected to the economic well-being of those they serve.

We call on fellow New Zealanders to support this petition and advocate for a stronger democracy where our leaders truly understand and reflect the lives of the people they represent.


Supporting Legislation:

We understand that making this change effective immediately and without a surrounding structure would create problems, so we beleive the following supportive legislation should be enacted to support our petition goal:

Problem 1) — That MPs are not fairly compensated for their skill level, and this will mean talented individuals will choose alternate employment.

Solution 1) — We believe that the people who represent and lead our country should not be doing it for the money. However, to reward those who serve, a comfy retirement stipend could be granted either in exit from office or retirement age. This stipend could have a certain year-cap if needed. Alternatively, the stipend could be scalable based on tenure. Furthermore, the salary would be based on hourly wages, rewarding politicians for the extra hours they work. 

Problem 2) — Paying politicians less will lead to corruption, as companies can offer lucrative bribes.  

Solution 2) — We do see this as an issue that needs to be mitigated, however, capital still have the affluence in Aotearoa to offer bribes lucrative relative to current salaries. Yet, New Zealand remains, relatively, corruption-free. Still, we propose a minimum 5 year ban on MPs taking up lobbying positions after office (could be expanded to lifetime if needed). 

Problem 3) — A mortgage trap could emerge, where politicians default on their mortgages upon employment in parliament.

Solution 3) — The Ministry of Ministerial Affairs would buy up properties representative of the median, and rent these houses to politicians, taking a rent from their salary equal to the median rent. The original homes could either be sold off, or rented until the conclusion of the individuals time in office. 

Problem 4) — The salary of MP partners (who usually make large amounts) would combine with the MP, allowing them to live a non-median lifestyle.

Solution 4) — The salaries of MP partners are capped at the median hourly wage, so the combined income is still equal to the median. The excess would go to a blind trust, which would be granted after the MP exited parliament. 

Problem 5) — The above impedes on individual rights, and unfairly effects the partner of the MP

Solution 5) — The job of an MP is not meant to be easy, it is a role taken up out of a strong will to help the fellow man. As such, sacrifices must be made to allow accurate representation, and ensure the health of our democracy.