Unemployment Rising in New Zealand

New Zealand unemployment and the unemployment rate continued to rise in the June 2009 quarter, with the number of unemployed now at a 10-year high. The unemployment rate increased by 1.0 percent, to 6.0 percent, the highest level since September 2000.

Unemployment increased by 24,000 (20.6 percent) during the June 2009 quarter, to reach 138,000, the highest level for over ten years. This increase was largely driven by female unemployment, which rose by 15,000.

Employment decreased by 10,000 (0.4 percent) during the last quarter. This was driven by female full-time employment, which fell by 16,000. Male employment increased during the quarter but only in part-time work. Male full-time employment also decreased.

The rise in part-time employment may be involuntary for many employees. Evidence is growing that employers are reluctant to lose skilled staff, but would rather reduce their hours and keep them on in some capacity, hoping there will be a recovery soon.

Date from Statistics New Zealand