Some of NZ's lowest paid hospital workers getting big pay increases

Some of the country's lowest paid hospital workers are getting a pay rise that will cost district health boards $50 million over three years.

Orderlies, security guards and caterers are included in the deal that will see their minimum wages rise to $20.90 per hour.

By 2021 that figure will be $25 an hour, an increase of 40 per cent.

Their pay rises are linked to gaining level three qualifications across their respective jobs

DHBs say training will create pathways to careers in health and have a significant impact on communities.

The union says workers won't have to do so much overtime to make ends meet.