The authors of this article analysed the responses of 995 Year 13 students from across Aotearoa New Zealand regarding the payment of minimum and living wages. In analysing their Likert scale ratings and written responses, they found the majority of these young adults to be clearly in favour of the living wage being adopted universally. Their justifications for this stance centred around themes of survival, justice, wellbeing, economic balance and reciprocity. The authors assert that the voices of rangatahi have been missing in the consecutive government reviews of the minimum wage, and that listening to these voices will enhance policymaking in this area. The article presents and discusses the results specifically relating to the 2022 responses on the payment of minimum and living wages.