NZ unemployment rate slightly higher in December

NZ unemployment rate slightly higher in December
Unemployment grew slightly at the end of last year (Image: Getty)
Rebecca Howard
Wage inflation remains acute, but a slight increase in the unemployment rate and signs of some spare labour capacity should cement expectations the central bank will lift rates by 50 basis points this month as opposed to 75bp. Unemployment was 3.4% in the December quarter, compared with 3.3% in the September quarter.   Economists had expected it to be 3.2% or 3.3%, while the central bank had tipped a rate of 3.2%. While the difference is minor, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will likely take heart from the fact that the num...

More Economy

Want to double exports? Good luck with that
Primary Sector

Want to double exports? Good luck with that

International shipping lines say NZ needs to urgently address port productivity. 

Oliver Lewis 30 Jul 2025
Weak jobs data help clear path for August rate cut
Economy

Weak jobs data help clear path for August rate cut

Filled jobs edged higher but will likely be revised lower. 

Rebecca Howard 29 Jul 2025
OCR steals the show
Economy

Cameron Bagrie: OCR steals the show

The yield on a NZ 10-year bond is currently around 4.6%.

Cameron Bagrie 28 Jul 2025
Independent review warm on ACC investment arm but eyes risk
Economy

Independent review warm on ACC investment arm but eyes risk

A review of ACC’s investment arm issues warm findings but homes in on risk factors.

Staff reporters 25 Jul 2025