Unemployment data released by Stats NZ today shows that working people are bearing the cost of the Government's economic mismanagement, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.
"Unemployment has risen to levels we haven't seen in a decade. 164,000 people are now unemployed, up 39,000 in just two years. There are 7,600 more young people unemployed than a year ago."
"The Government has no plan to tackle this growing emergency. Instead of real solutions, they're promising more spending cuts, more workers thrown on the scrap heap."
"With Waitangi just around the corner, it's worth reflecting on the fact that Māori unemployment continues to be a huge concern. Māori unemployment was 11.2% in December 2025 - more than twice the national average. There are now 13,800 more Māori unemployed than two years ago."
"The Government's policies are making it harder for working people, their whānau, and their communities to get ahead. There is no recovery in the economy unless people are feeling it. The numbers show that right now they are not," said Grey.
