Unemployment rate hits 5.6% - worst in more than a decade

UpdatedLiam DannBusiness Editor at Large·NZ Herald·4 Aug, 2026 10:50 PM2 mins to read‌The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the June 2026 quarter. Photo / 123rfThe unemployment rate was 5.6% in the June 2026 quarter. Photo / 123rfNew Zealand’s unemployment rate was 5.6% in the June 2026 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.That was worse than economist expectations.Forecasts were for the unemployment rate to land at 5.4% or 5.5%

“The unemployment rate was 5.6% in the June 2026 quarter, compared with 5.4%

Unemployment rate hits 5.6% - worst in more than a decade

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