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New labour market statistics show why the National Party’s long-term plan to grow the economy and create jobs matters, party finance spokesperson Nicola Willis says.
“It’s been a tough few months for employers grappling with real cost pressures and genuine uncertainty, and today’s unemployment figure of 5.6 per cent reflects that.
“It reinforces why New Zealand can’t afford to let up on the policies that boost employer confidence and support people into work.
“National has a clear long-term plan to do exactly that. We are fixing the basics in the economy by keeping taxes low and government spending down to ease pressure on inflation and interest rates, which is more important than ever when there is so much global volatility.
“We are also growing tourism and international education, investing in vital infrastructure, fast-tracking major construction projects, and giving businesses a real reason to invest in growth through Investment Boost.”
Labour Party finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says the unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent is a “damning verdict” on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s economic management.
“Christopher Luxon promised he would grow the economy, create jobs, and lower the cost of living.
“Instead, unemployment continues to rise and Kiwis are paying the price.
“Under National unemployment is at an 11-year high. Today’s figures show there are 171,000 New Zealanders out of work, more than the entire population of Tauranga.
“That’s 48,000 more since National took office.
“Behind every unemployment statistic is a person who wants to work, a family worried about paying the bills, and a community feeling the impact.
“That’s the real cost of National’s economic choices.
“Young people are being hit hard with too many unable to get the first job they need to start their careers.
“Christopher Luxon can keep telling New Zealanders the economy is turning a corner, but if you’ve lost your job, can’t find work, or worried you’ll be next, you know that simply isn’t true.”
Edmonds says Māori and Pasifika communities “continue to bear the brunt of National’s failure, with unemployment remaining significantly higher than the national average at 10.8 per cent and 11.6 per cent”.
“National can’t claim success when their choices have deliberately made things worse.
“They cut thousands of public sector jobs, cancelled major infrastructure projects, and scrapped investment that supported business and innovation.
“Labour is focused on real ways to grow our economy and get more Kiwis back into work.”
And Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says Luxon’s “economic decisions have produced the highest unemployment rate in over a decade”.
“Political tit for tat aside, it’s time for the Prime Minister to put his hands back on the wheel of this economy and invest in our country.
“Clearly, cut after cut doesn’t grow an economy. It breaks one, and 49,000 more people are out of work since the beginning of this Government’s term in office.
“Luxon will blame the last government while taking on more debt than the last government in order to fund his tax breaks that disproportionately benefit the wealthiest.
“He will blame the fossil fuel crisis while burning taxpayers’ money on subsidising fossil fuels, increasing our exposure to imported inflation.
“Our country and our communities deserve a government that takes responsibility and acts.
“A thriving economy needs a fair tax system, tackling mega-corporate greed and market power consolidation.”
