Pasifika Unemployment Remains Twice The National RateKaya Selby RNZ Pacific journalistPasifika unemployment in New Zealand remains over double that of the general population, even as the nationwide unemployment rate reaches a near-11 year high. Figures released by Statistics NZ on Wednesday put the unemployment rate for Pacific peoples at 11.6 percent in the June 2026 quarter, or around 23,700 Pacific workers. Meanwhile, Pasifika underutilisation, a measure of those working less than they ought to, was 21.3 percent for the year, up 2.2 percent. Unemployment and underutilisation rates among Māori were also stubbornly high - 11 percent and 22 percent respectively, over the last year. Pasifika unemployment climbed to a historic level of 12.2 percent in the December 2025 quarter.