In this section, you will find further information and other resources we hope you will find helpful when planning and preparing your application.
Paying People who Support You (Support Assistants)
The Ministry of Health has guidance on how much to pay the people who provide you with disability-related support to do candidacy activities.
In this section you will find basic guidance on minimum wage rates. You can find more detail in the Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlements Act 2017.
Please make sure your budget for paying support assistants aligns with the following guidelines:
Minimum Wage Guidance for Support Assistants
Pay band 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2023
L0 (less than 3 years service or no relevant qualification): $22.49 per hour
L2 (3 or more years but less than 8 years, or level 2 qualification): $24.06 per hour
L3 (8 or more years but less than 12 years, or level 3 qualification): $26.16 per hour
L4a (12 years or more if subclause 2 applies, or Level 4 qualification): $27.20 per hour
L4b (12 years or more if subclause 2 does not apply, or level 4 qualification): $28.25 per hour
Accommodation for Support Assistants
The following guidelines are recommended when planning accommodation for your support assistant. You can only apply for accommodation for a support assistant from the Fund. Your own accommodation costs need to be paid from your own budget.
Accommodation should average approximately $160 per night.
Guidelines for Meals for Support Assistants
The following are recommended guidelines for meals for your support assistant. You can only pay for meals for your support assistant from the Fund. Your own meal costs must be paid from your own budget.
- Breakfast: $20
- Lunch: $15
- Dinner: $30
- Sundry: $20
Travel and Transport
You must estimate the approximate cost of travel, including taxis, public transport and flights as part of your budget. These costs must be actual and reasonable. If you are standing for a political party, contact them for advice on how best to estimate these costs.
Taxis
For regular destinations, such as from home to a party meeting place, you can contact the taxi company you prefer to get a quote for the approximate fare amount. You can then include it in your budget. You will have to estimate the approximate amount for other taxi trips.
Vehicle Mileage
If your support assistant will be driving you in their own vehicle as part of your candidacy activities, you must estimate the mileage and/or fuel costs and include them in your budget.
The following guidelines from IRD outline milage costs for the 2022 financial year. Check the IRD website for more information.
Tier 1
A combination of fixed and running costs; under 14,000 kilometres for business travel for the year.
- Petrol or Diesel: 83 cents per kilometre
- Petrol Hybrid: 83 cents per kilometre
- Electric: 83 cents per kilometre
Tier 2
Running costs only; more than 14,000 kilometres for business travel for the year.
- Petrol or Diesel: 31 cents per kilometre
- Petrol Hybrid: 18 cents per kilometre
- Electric: 10 cents per kilometre