Benefits stable as 100,000 come off wage subsidy

Benefits stable as 100,000 come off wage subsidy
Paul McBeth
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits was largely stable last week, despite almost 100,000 workers coming off the government’s wage subsidy programme.There were just 120,176 jobs supported by the programme and its extensions as at Sept. 18, down from 217,912 seven days prior and a peak of 1.66 million on May 29, Ministry of Social Development figures show.That’s seen the government pay $14 billion to keep as many of those people in work and, barring further extensions, is expected to taper off in mid-November.Unemploym...

More Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious
Economy

RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious

The key is that any changes add value, says Assistant Governor Karen Silk.

‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high
Economy

‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high

Business confidence jumped another nine points from 58 to 67 in November, the highest level in 11 years, the ANZ Business Outlook survey for November shows.“Things are looking up!” said ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner.“Out of a hole, admittedly,” she added.When interpreting qu...

Staff reporters 27 Nov 2025
Rodger Finlay new RBNZ chair, Rhiannon McKinnon to board
Economy

Rodger Finlay new RBNZ chair, Rhiannon McKinnon to board

Finlay is expected to deliver increased accountability and transparency.

Rebecca Howard 27 Nov 2025