The number of unemployed persons in New Zealand decreased to 163 Thousand in the first quarter of 2026 from 165 Thousand in the fourth quarter of 2025. Unemployed Persons in New Zealand averaged 122.50 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 2889.00 2885.00 Thousand Mar 2026
Employment Change 0.20 0.50 percent Mar 2026
Employment Rate 66.70 66.70 percent Mar 2026
Full Time Employment 2303.00 2300.00 Thousand Mar 2026
Participation Rate 70.40 70.50 percent Mar 2026
Labour Costs Index 1450.00 1443.00 points Mar 2026
Part Time Employment 588.00 585.00 Thousand Mar 2026
Population 5.34 5.31 Million Dec 2025
Productivity 1376.00 1385.00 points Dec 2024
Unemployed Persons 163.00 165.00 Thousand Mar 2026
Unemployment Rate 5.30 5.40 percent Mar 2026
Wages 44.20 44.08 NZD/Hour Mar 2026
Wages in Manufacturing 40.66 40.54 NZD/Hour Mar 2026
Youth Unemployment Rate 15.90 13.50 percent Mar 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
163.00 165.00 189.00 69.00 1986 - 2026 Thousand Quarterly
Volume, SA