The Wire: Interview: No minimum wage?

The Minimum wage goes up tomorrow, from $14.75 to $15.25. But is having a minimum wage the best way to protect working class people?

Already this week, David Seymour, from the ACT party, has criticized the rise as targeted at Aucklanders, and as a result hurting those who live in rural communities. Seymor has suggested the implementation of a second, lower minimum wage for those living in the regions.

Even further along these lines stands the New Zealand Initiative, a business lead think-tank who believe we should eradicate the minimum wage altogether, and make up the difference through increased benefits, such as Working For Families and the Student Allowance.

Dr Eric Crampton, Director of the New Zealand Initiative, spoke to 95bFM news-teamer Andrew Winstanley about his views.