Your pay and deductions

Seasonal Workers · Know your rights

Every hour you work must be paid, and every deduction must be explained.

What you should get

• PALM: your employer may pay some costs up front (such as flights and visas). These are usually paid back over your first 12–16 weeks, spread over several pay periods so you still have enough to live on.
• PALM: you can check pay rates and entitlements with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94).
• RSE: you must be paid at least the NZ minimum wage. From your third season, at least 10% above the minimum wage.
• RSE: you must be paid for every hour you work, and you must get 8% holiday pay.
• RSE: deductions need your written approval, and you can ask in writing to change or stop a deduction (your employer must act as soon as possible, within 2 weeks).

Check for

• Your payslip shows hours, rate, tax and every deduction
• Deductions match what you agreed in writing

What you can do

• Photograph every payslip. Write down your hours each day.

Sources: PALM — Payroll deductions explained (guides in 11 Pacific languages) · PALM — Worker support · Immigration NZ — Your rights as an RSE worker · Immigration NZ — Pay and sick leave for RSE workers

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/seasonal-workers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org