Article – Jordan Smith – Local Democracy ReporterThere were 10,455 Jobseeker recipients in Hamilton compared with 7,068 in Wellington, although Hamilton has about 17,000 fewer residents. July 28, 2026WaikatoHamilton’s rapid population growth has not translated into stronger employment outcomes, with the city recording the highest proportion of Jobseeker Support recipients of New Zealand’s five largest cities, according to Ministry of Social Development (MSD) data. Hamilton also has more people receiving Jobseeker Support than Wellington despite having a smaller population. There were 10,455 Jobseeker recipients in Hamilton compared with 7,068 in Wellington, although Hamilton has about 17,000 fewer residents. The figures are based on MSD’s benefit statistics and compare the number of Jobseeker Support recipients with each city’s estimated resident population.