The Living Wage in Action

The Living Wage in Action

Why Employers Are Choosing to Lead with Values

We all know what the minimum wage is - but is it enough? The Living Wage goes a step further. It’s the hourly rate a worker needs not just to survive, but to live with dignity - covering the real cost of essentials like food, housing, transport, and the ability to participate in family and community life.

What does it mean to be a Living Wage Employer in Aotearoa?

In this pre-recorded panel discussion, you'll hear directly from a group of accredited organisations, including Auckland Council, that have made the commitment - not just as a financial decision, but as a statement of values and leadership. 

These employers will speak to why they chose to become accredited, how it reflects their commitment to fairness, and the role they believe business and the public sector can play in building more equitable communities.

Whether you’re on the journey toward accreditation or simply interested in what leadership grounded in social responsibility looks like, this panel offers a compelling look into the Living Wage Movement from those who have chosen to walk the talk.

Benedict Ferguson

Benedict Ferguson brings over 23 years of experience in local government and 19 years of dedicated involvement in the trade union movement. From 2020 to 2024, he proudly served as President of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi—Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest union—championing fairness, dignity, and workers’ rights.Currently working at Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council), Benedict is a proud advocate for economic justice as a member of the Living Wage Principle Partners Council, representing the PSA. He is a passionate voice in the movement to ensure all workers are paid a wage they can live on—not just survive. His work continues to drive real change, helping to build a more equitable Aotearoa where every worker is valued and respected.

Phil Wilson

Chief Executive, Auckland Council

 It's a real privilege to be Council's Chief Executive and to lead what is a wonderful organisation - one that is deeply motivated to serving the changing and diverse needs of Aucklanders, dealing with climate, growth and infrastructure challenges and protecting our precious environment.My core personal commitments in this role are to: 

  • Work effectively with elected members at local and regional levels to achieve their aspirations and policy priorities
  • Do our best by the community at all times and through every interaction
  • Prudent stewardship of finances - and a reputation to match.
  • Foster a safe, rewarding and purposeful experience of work
  • Uphold our Te Tiriti responsibilities
  • Continuously improve the organisation - making life better for staff and customers
  • Better responding to diversity, building equity and social cohesion
  • Partnering effectively with Government, private sector and Community organisations
  • Building climate resilience

My career has substantially and proudly been in Local Government - holding senior leadership roles in HR, Strategy, Communications and Governance. I am a past HR General Manager, Chief Advisor to Manukau City Council. Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Auckland, Director of Governance and CCO Partnerships. Also, a past Board Member and President of Taituara - the National professional body for Local Government Leaders.

Fiona Michel

Chief Executive, Braemer Hospital

Fiona is a two-time Living Wage Accredited Employer, who has executive and governance experience in technology, banking, insurance, public service, health, property, primary industry and utilities. She holds an MBA from the University of Auckland, is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors.Fiona is the Chief Executive of one of New Zealand’s largest private hospitals, an independent, not for profit organisation. Fiona is a Director on the board of New Zealand Medical Indemnity Insurance, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Dress for Success Hamilton and Vice President of the New Zealand Private Surgical Hospitals Association.Fiona has won numerous awards in New Zealand and Australia for achievement in human resources, leadership, culture, ethics and industrial relations, and was a finalist in the 2021 Westpac Women of Influence Awards for her work on New Zealand’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

Maretha Smit

Chief Executive, Diversity Works

Maretha is the Chief Executive of Diversity Works New Zealand, having taken up this role right in the middle of the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.  She has a background and qualifications in behavioural and business sciences and has held various transformational executive roles in South Africa, prior to her immigration to New Zealand, eight years ago. She has a strong commitment to issues of social cohesion and a deep understanding of the way in which intersectional layers of prejudice have an impact on employment outcomes.

Sam Stubbs

Co-Founder, Simplicity

Sam Stubbs is the co-founder of Simplicity, one of NZ’s fastest growing KiwiSaver plans. Simplicity is a nonprofit KiwiSaver and Fund Manager that gives 15% of all fees to charity and invests with a conscience. Sam was previously CEO of Tower Investments. He was MD of Hanover Group and worked for Goldman Sachs in London and Hong Kong. He has also worked for NatWest Markets, Fay, Richwhite and IBM.Sam has an MA (Hons) in Politics from the University of Auckland.Sam is a father of 4 children, and has no time for any hobbies! He dreams of Simplicity and sailing around the world.

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