Today's figures, which show fewer jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors than a year ago, are further proof that the Government for the rich is failing working New Zealanders.
"These figures paint a damning picture of an economy that's failing to provide enough jobs or security for workers," says the Green Party's Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March.
"New Zealanders should be in control of our economy, our jobs, and our future. We can create the jobs we need and do the kind of work that helps us build an Aotearoa we can be proud of.
"The Government isn't delivering on their promised jobs and income growth. There were fewer people working in December 2025 than in December 2024, when we should have seen more people getting into good, decent jobs.
"At the same time, overall earnings for workers are anaemic, with total earnings only up 1.1 per cent over the year. This shows what most people are feeling, that they are going backwards.
"Gross incomes rising below inflation means the cost of living is eating away at people's ability to make ends meet, and the Government has no plan to turn this around.
"This is a direct result of the Government gutting our public housing programme, abandoning key infrastructure projects, and sitting on their hands while power prices shoot up, decimating the manufacturing industry.
"It's no wonder that New Zealanders continue fleeing for Australia every day.
"The Greens have a plan to deliver 40,000 decent jobs in conservation and construction through a greens job guarantee.
"We can do things differently, so everyone has what they need to live a good life. That starts with kicking Luxon and his cronies out next term," says Ricardo Menéndez March," says Ricardo Menéndez March.
