Tradies’ guide to New Zealand Payroll

Payroll seems manageable, until PAYE, KiwiSaver, holiday pay and leave entitlements enter the picture. For most trade business owners, that’s where things start to feel less certain.

This guide is for New Zealand tradies who run small to medium operations and want a more confident handle on paying their team correctly. We’ll walk you through the key obligations, explain the rules that catch businesses out most often and help you build a practical approach to payroll.

What’s in the guide?

We cover the areas that matter most:

• How to set up payroll before your first pay run
• What PAYE, KiwiSaver and ACC levies actually mean for your costs
• How to pay wages, holiday pay and other entitlements correctly
• The leave rules trade businesses get wrong most often
• Payroll software versus doing it manually: what makes sense for your business

Fill in the form on the right to download the guide.

The information in this article is current as at 28 May 2026 and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its affiliates (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this article are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. Some information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this article.