However, the data reveals persistent gaps: women earn 16% less than men, Pacific Peoples earn 11.4% less than Europeans, and Wellington workers out-earn those in Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough by $13,312 annually. “Age is the single biggest predictor of earnings,” said Christopher Walsh, Founder of MoneyHub. “Workers aged 45-49 earn the most at $81,900 median – more than four times what 15-19 year olds earn. Ethnicity Shapes OutcomesEuropean workers earn a median of $72,800 annually. Māori and Asian workers both earn $66,560 (8.6% gap).