The number of unemployed persons in New Zealand increased to 171 Thousand in the second quarter of 2026 from 164 Thousand in the first quarter of 2026. Unemployed Persons in New Zealand averaged 122.80 Thousand from 1986 until 2026, 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 2905.00 2892.00 Thousand Jun 2026
Employment Change 0.50 0.20 percent Jun 2026
Employment Rate 66.70 66.70 percent Jun 2026
Full Time Employment 2312.00 2304.00 Thousand Jun 2026
Participation Rate 70.70 70.40 percent Jun 2026
Labour Costs Index 1458.00 1450.00 points Jun 2026
Part Time Employment 590.00 589.00 Thousand Jun 2026
Population 5.34 5.31 Million Dec 2025
Productivity 1391.00 1380.00 points Dec 2025
Unemployed Persons 171.00 164.00 Thousand Jun 2026
Unemployment Rate 5.60 5.40 percent Jun 2026
Wages 44.72 44.20 NZD/Hour Jun 2026
Wages in Manufacturing 41.18 40.66 NZD/Hour Jun 2026
Youth Unemployment Rate 17.20 17.30 percent Jun 2026


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
171.00 164.00 189.00 69.00 1986 - 2026 Thousand Quarterly
Volume, SA