It is the highest unemployment rate recorded since 2015 and reflects a labour market that continues to soften despite modest employment growth. Annual wage inflation also eased to 2.0 percent, suggesting pay growth is slowing as the labour market weakens. Historically, Māori unemployment has tracked above the national average during economic downturns, with regional communities often experiencing the effects of slowing economic activity first. A softer labour market could strengthen expectations of further interest rate reductions aimed at supporting economic activity, although inflation remains an important consideration in future monetary policy decisions. #Tags:#RadioWaatea #WaateaNews #Unemployment #Jobs #Economy #StatsNZ #LabourMarket #CostOfLiving #Employment #MāoriEconomy #Aotearoa #NZBusiness #InterestRates #EconomicGrowth #Workforce #Whānau #Rangatahi #NZPolitics #Election2026 #EconomicNews