Claims have come that businesses are struggling to keep up as wages continue to rise.

Stats NZ has revealed median weekly earnings from wages and salaries leapt 7.1 percent annually in the June quarter.

It's the second largest annual increase since records began in 1998 and ahead of inflation's 6 percent.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Matt Cowley told Mike Hosking it's a win for wage earners - but it's tough for employers.

He says persistent wage increases feed the inflation spiral which impacts everyone.

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