The latest rise in unemployment has been small - but unexpected
The latest rise in unemployment has been small - but unexpected
4 February 2026
Latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate's risen to a ten-year high of 5.4 percent in the December quarter, with 165-thousand Kiwis out of work.
The rise is being driven by more people moving out of education and training, and into the workforce.
The Herald's Liam Dann says it's not a number the Government wants to see heading into election year.
He says unemployment is deeply personal and emotional, and this Government has spoken a lot about job creation.
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