Government hails new employment numbers

New figures reveal further year-on-year improvements in the number of New Zealanders moving off benefit and into work, Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says.

“In the year ending June, 2026, there were 86,544 exits from a main benefit into work – an increase of 5772 from the year ending June 2025.

“Today’s figures are similar to previous statistics released in March this year, which showed 5580 more people leaving a main benefit for work during the year ending March, 2026, compared to the same period the year before.

“Year-on-year quarterly results are also showing a similar trend, with 21,261 exits from a main benefit into work – 1665 more than the June 2025 quarter.”

Upston says the new figures reflect the typical seasonal patterns for this time of year, with a small one per cent increase in the number of people receiving a working age main benefit and fewer exits compared to the last quarter.

“We generally see a small bounce back from the March quarter, which normally has higher exits into work with the beginning of the school year and work picking up post holidays, so year-on-year comparisons are often a more reliable indicator of job market trends.

“Economic conditions are challenging, but today’s figures are promising for the job market and job seekers.

“Our Traffic Light System continues to help jobseekers stay on track with their job search responsibilities and seize every opportunity available.

“MSD’s Kōrero Mahi seminars are helping thousands of jobseekers take practical steps toward sustainable employment through targeted employment support – including advice about finding the right job, CV support, or being referred to job vacancies, training, or case management.

“Throughout the quarter ending June, 2026, more than 16,000 people attended MSD’s Kōrero Mahi – Let’s Talk Work seminars, which are targeted towards people who are new to benefit and have full-time work obligations.

“ChamberWorks, a partnership between New Zealand Chambers of Commerce and MSD, helps connect businesses with pre-screened candidates and recruitment support, delivering a pipeline of talent and jobs for those on benefit. MSD partners directly with businesses also.

“An example of that is Ventia, which has worked with the Northern Jobs and Skills Hub to support school leavers and job seekers into seasonal and full-time employment pathways, developing local talent, strengthening workforce retention and reducing reliance on temporary labour.

“In 2025, more than 100 people were placed in jobs with Ventia, up from 36 in 2024.

“Other examples include the Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, which trains and connects people to jobs across the Auckland Airport precinct.

“MSD has also worked closely with SkyCity to help people gain employment opportunities upon the recent opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre.

“By helping businesses to thrive, driving income growth, and providing practical support to help get jobseekers into work, this government is committed to supporting New Zealanders towards independence.”

However, Labour Party social development and employment spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime says unemployment continues to surge under National, with quarterly figures confirming tens of thousands more Kiwis on Jobseeker.

“[The] enefit figures show the real human cost of National’s economic failures with more than 218,000 now on Jobseeker – about the population size of Wellington City.

“[Prime Minister] Christopher Luxon promised to reduce the number of people on Jobseeker by 50,000, instead nearly 30,000 more Kiwis are now relying on it.

“We’ve seen record numbers of Kiwis leaving the country because opportunities have dried up at home and the government has no plan.

“Communities are facing real pain. It was devastating to see the confirmed closure of one of only two mills in Kaitāia yesterday.

“Before the closure was confirmed, I stood with the Kaitāia community and saw the stress and uncertainty whānau were facing. Now, those fears have become reality.

“New Zealanders need more pathways into secure work, not punishments and empty promises from an out of touch prime minister.

“Labour is focused on backing Kiwis into work. By expanding apprenticeship boost, we’re creating more pathways into work and qualifications so Kiwis can earn more.”