New Zealand unemployment rate reaches 11-year high in June quarter

Wednesday 5 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 5 Aug, 10:58am

In this story Stats NZ

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in the June quarter, leaving 171,000 people out of work. Stats NZ figures show Northland recorded the highest regional rate at 8.8%. Additionally, approximately 19% of unemployed workers have been without jobs for more than a year.

How they headlined it

First reported by 1News, Wed 5 Aug, 10:54am · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 4 minutes

1NewsWed 5 Aug, 10:54am

NZ's unemployment rate hits 11-year high in June quarter (opens in new tab)
StuffWed 5 Aug, 10:58am

The region struggling the most as unemployment climbs to decade high of 5.6% (opens in new tab)