Wellington, 28 April 2026 – New Zealand’s labour market showed signs of recovery as job numbers climbed to a 14-month high, but the improvement remains fragile as the Iran war, higher oil prices and renewed inflation pressure threaten to slow hiring momentum.

The number of filled jobs increased by 14,600 from a recent low in July, according to Bloomberg, although total jobs remained nearly 39,000 below the level recorded two years ago. The figures suggest that New Zealand’s employment market is stabilising after a difficult period, but has not yet fully recovered from earlier weakness.

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Author

Rebecca Hsu
Rebecca Hsu is a Senior Economist and Lead Analyst for The Ledger Asia, focusing on the rapidly evolving financial landscapes of East and Southeast Asia. With a background in sovereign risk assessment and emerging market trends, Rebecca provides sharp commentary on trade dynamics, monetary policy, and the digital economy's impact on regional growth.
Formerly a strategic advisor for major financial institutions in Hong Kong, she excels at translating complex macroeconomic shifts into actionable insights for investors and policymakers. Her work at The Ledger Asia centers on China’s economic transition and the burgeoning manufacturing hubs of ASEAN, ensuring readers stay ahead of Asia’s shifting financial tides.