The number of unemployed persons in New Zealand increased to 165 Thousand in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 161 Thousand in the third quarter of 2025. Unemployed Persons in New Zealand averaged 122.25 Thousand from 1986 until 2025, reaching an all time high of 189.00 Thousand in the third quarter of 1991 and a record low of 69.00 Thousand in the first quarter of 1987. source: Statistics New Zealand



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Employed Persons 2886.00 2872.00 Thousand Dec 2025
Employment Change 0.50 0.00 percent Dec 2025
Employment Rate 66.70 66.60 percent Dec 2025
Full Time Employment 2299.00 2293.00 Thousand Dec 2025
Participation Rate 70.50 70.30 percent Dec 2025
Labour Costs Index 1434.00 1427.00 points Sep 2025
Part Time Employment 586.00 581.00 Thousand Dec 2025
Population 5.34 5.31 Million Dec 2025
Productivity 1376.00 1385.00 points Dec 2024
Unemployed Persons 165.00 161.00 Thousand Dec 2025
Unemployment Rate 5.40 5.30 percent Dec 2025
Wages 44.08 43.68 NZD/Hour Dec 2025
Wages in Manufacturing 40.54 40.65 NZD/Hour Dec 2025
Youth Unemployment Rate 13.20 13.70 percent Dec 2025


New Zealand Unemployed Persons
In New Zealand, unemployed persons are individuals who are without a job and actively seeking to work.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
165.00 161.00 189.00 69.00 1986 - 2025 Thousand Quarterly
Volume, SA