NZ job-seeker support numbers rise; confidence 'falls off cliff'

NZ job-seeker support numbers rise; confidence 'falls off cliff'
Rebecca Howard
It is hardly surprising people have no plans to buy major household items anytime soon as droves continue to turn to job-seeker support. The number of jobseeker recipients has jumped by more than 35,000 since March 20, a few days before the country went into lockdown, the Treasury said in its latest covid-19 Economic Dashboard report. Last week that number stood at almost 30,000.  Some 6.0 percent of the estimated working-age population received job-seeker support as of April 24, the latest data from the Ministry of Social Development sho...

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.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
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.

Rebecca Howard 28 Nov 2025
‘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