In brief
In the September 2026 quarter, New Zealand’s unemployment rate increased to 5.7 %, up from 5.6 % in the prior quarter, according to Stats NZ. The total number of unemployed people rose to 174,000, while employment trends show a rise in casual and fixed‑term contracts and a shift toward part‑time work. Wage inflation remained modest at 2.1 % and average hourly earnings grew 2.9 % to NZ$44.86.
In Wellington, New Zealand, the 2026‑Q3 unemployment rate climbed to 5.7 %, a rise from 5.6 % in the June‑quarter, according to the national statistics agency Stats NZ. The increase left 174,000 people classified as unemployed in the September quarter.
Additional labour‑market insight from Stats NZ shows that the broader under‑utilisation rate, which covers those neither employed nor actively seeking work, remained unchanged at 13.8 %, reflecting 438,000 people in the labour market who are not fully utilized. The number of employed individuals was essentially the same as the previous quarter, standing at 2.891 million compared with 2.896 million in June, and the overall employment rate slipped to 66.4 % from 66.7 %.
Shift Toward Casual and Part‑Time Roles
Stats NZ labour‑market spokesperson Abby Johnston noted that casual and fixed‑term roles had increased over the year, and the quarter saw a noticeable shift toward part‑time employment. Casual employees rose 19.5 % to 116,900, while fixed‑term employees grew 18.9 % to 50,900. Part‑time employment added 15,000 workers over the quarter, whereas full‑time jobs fell by 17,000, indicating a restructuring of typical work arrangements.
The wage landscape reflected modest growth. Annual wage inflation reached 2.1 % in the September quarter. The average ordinary‑time hourly earnings climbed 2.9 % over the year to NZ$44.86, roughly equivalent to US$25.07 per hour, a figure that underscores incremental but steady wage increases amidst changing employment types.
These statistics suggest that while the overall number of employed people remains relatively stable, the structure of New Zealand’s labour market is evolving. The rise in casual and fixed‑term contracts, combined with a move toward part‑time work, means more workers are experiencing less secure employment arrangements. The relatively flat wage growth and unchanged under‑utilisation rate suggest that the economy is not yet fully absorbing the potential labour supply, leaving a broader pool of people waiting for job opportunities.
The data also highlight that the labour market continues to shift in response to broader economic conditions. As casual and part‑time roles become more common, workers may face greater income volatility, while employers may prefer flexible workforce arrangements. These trends are likely to be of particular concern to Unemployed and Part‑time Workers, who may find it harder to secure stable, full‑time employment. Whether the government’s policies on wage growth and job creation will offset these effects remains to be observed in the coming quarters.
Statistical release through Xinhua provided these figures and analysis, offering a comprehensive view of New Zealand’s labour dynamics during the most recent quarter.