New Zealand +0.3 ptsNetherlands −2.8 ptsover 10 years
Compare with: Netherlands

Key data points

Last release
5 Aug 2026
Observation period
Q2 2026
Next release
3 Nov 2026, 21:45 UTC
Previous
5.4% Q1 2026
Highest
11.2% Q3 1991
Lowest
3.2% Q4 2021
A year ago
5.2%
Data since
1986

Indicator info

Category
Labour
Source
Stats NZ
Frequency
Quarterly
Units
Percent

The share of the labour force that is out of work and actively looking for a job.

Reports

Released 5 Aug 20265.6%Q2 2026
Next release, 21:45 UTC3 Nov 2026Q3 2026

History

PeriodValueChange
Q2 20265.6%+0.2
Q1 20265.4%0.0
Q4 20255.4%+0.1
Q3 20255.3%+0.1
Q2 20255.2%0.0
Q1 20255.2%+0.1
Q4 20245.1%+0.2
Q3 20244.9%+0.2
Q2 20244.7%+0.3
Q1 20244.4%+0.4
Q4 20234.0%+0.1
Q3 20233.9%+0.2
Q2 20233.7%

Common questions

What is the unemployment rate in New Zealand now?

The unemployment rate in New Zealand was 5.6% in Q2 2026, up 0.2 points from Q1 2026. The figure was released on 5 Aug 2026.

When is the next unemployment rate release for New Zealand?

The next release is scheduled for 3 Nov 2026, 21:45 UTC, covering Q3 2026.

What are the highest and lowest values of the unemployment rate in New Zealand?

In data since 1986, the highest was 11.2% in Q3 1991 and the lowest was 3.2% in Q4 2021.

Where does this data come from?

Published by Stats NZ, and shown here exactly as published. Publishers revise figures, and the latest published figure replaces the earlier one.

Source
Stats NZ
Economics methodology →
API
GET /v1/economics/NZL/unemployment
Economics API →