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Free • NZ • Talk track

Negotiate your salary — word for word

Got your first offer? When you’re ready to ask for more, tell AI your offer and target and it writes the exact word-for-word script — built on what actually works in NZ.

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NZ-tested
Word-for-word
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Crafting your negotiation script...

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Negotiation planned. Here’s how to back it up.

A plan is half the work — these tools sharpen the other half.

If you have two
Compare two offers side-by-side
Total comp, KiwiSaver, leave, growth path — everything that matters, on one page.
Compare offers →
 Anchor
Check the salary band first
Walk in knowing the market median. Don’t negotiate against a number you can’t defend.
Run the calculator →
 Rehearse
Practise the conversation
Run through the negotiation out loud with an AI before you say it for real.
Start rehearsing →
FAQ

Questions about negotiating pay in NZ

When is the right time to negotiate salary in NZ?
After you have an offer in writing but before you sign. Saying "thanks, I'd love to discuss the package" is the normal, expected response in NZ — most hiring managers have a range and expect one round of negotiation.
How much more can I ask for without losing the offer?
5-15% above the initial offer is the normal range for a professional role, if your ask is backed by market data. Our Salary Calculator gives you a defensible number to anchor on.
What if they say there's no budget?
Ask what levers exist: sign-on bonus, extra leave, KiwiSaver contribution, a six-month review, a title bump. "No budget for base" rarely means "no movement anywhere".
Should I negotiate using a counter-offer from my current employer?
Only if it's real. Bluffing a counter-offer is a fast way to poison trust before you start. If you have a genuine counter in writing, share it calmly.
Can I negotiate benefits instead of salary?
Yes. Extra leave, flexible work, a later start date, professional-development budget, and remote-work arrangements are all on the table in NZ. Our tool gives you scripts for each.