New Zealand unemployment climbs to decade-high of 5.6% in Q2
Reuters
Last updated: August 5, 2026
New Zealand's unemployment rate reached a ten-year high in the second quarter of the year. This increase was driven by a significant rise in the number of individuals actively seeking employment, which surpassed the growth in available jobs.
- New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in the June quarter. This marks the highest rate seen in a decade.
- The increase in the jobless rate occurred despite a rise in employment numbers.
- A larger number of people actively looking for work was the primary factor contributing to the elevated unemployment figure.
- Data released by Statistics New Zealand on Wednesday confirmed these findings.
