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Wednesday, 5 August 2026

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New Zealand Jobless Rate Hits 11-Year High as Energy Shock Disrupts Recovery

By Bernard Lee3 min read

Wellington, 5 August 2026 – New Zealand’s unemployment rate has climbed to its highest level in 11 years, exposing the growing strain that elevated energy costs are placing on businesses, household finances and the country’s economic recovery.

The seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose to 5.6% in the June quarter from a revised 5.4% three months earlier. The reading exceeded economists’ median forecast of 5.4% and marked the highest unemployment rate since the third quarter of 2015.

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Author

  • Bernard is a social activist dedicated to championing community empowerment, equality, and social justice. With a strong voice on issues affecting grassroots communities, he brings insightful perspectives shaped by on-the-ground advocacy and public engagement. As a columnist for The Ledger Asia, Bernard writes thought-provoking pieces that challenge norms, highlight untold stories, and inspire conversations aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society.