Press Release – New Zealand Labour PartyChristopher 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, Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Instead, unemployment continues to rise and Kiwis are paying the price,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. “Under National unemployment is at an 11-year high. “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% and 11.6%.