Latest from Unemployment

New data from Stats NZ showed overall employment holding steady.

Economists expect unemployment to hold near 5.4% to 5.5% in the first quarter.

BNZ Markets Head of Research Stephem Toplis with a preview on today's employment figures. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY

Morning Headlines | US plans ironclad Hormuz defence dome, cruise ship disease sparks onshore concerns, and job market remains tough | Wednesday, May 6, 2026

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with The Front Page to unpack what to look for in the latest data.

NYT opinion: For one thing, the macrodata isn’t matching the anecdata, writes Ezra Klein.

Oil jumped above US$122 a barrel but barely made headlines last week.

OPINION: The Reserve Bank warns inflation could reach 4.2% in the June quarter.

Expanded, refurbished supermarket, plus Kmart Westgate, will create 330 roles out west.

ANALYSIS: Liam Dann takes a deeper dive into the week's economic news.

ASB now sees GDP shrinking 0.3% in the second quarter and barely growing after.

The Reserve Bank Governor said she's closely monitoring the labour market.

Production company Wonder cuts costs, opens new doors.

Shares have risen under every government since 1975, despite political shifts.

Horticulture NZ CEO says it's "tough news for the New Zealand vegetable sector".

OPINION: Several readers supported Bruce Cotterill's opinion that there is a TVNZ bias.

OPINION: Hindsight is a great tool with regards to our Covid response, a reader says.

Working couples and homeowners now make up about 43% of those seeking help.

Economists warn war-driven oil spikes could push US inflation above 4% soon.

A badly timed supply shock threatens to spike inflation and sink our fragile recovery.

One woman said specific challenges for Māori made the proposed orders harsher.

Stats NZ says 47,700 people moved from New Zealand to Australia in the year to March 2025.

Union slams move to 'ship work overseas'; insurer says it's proudly Kiwi/Pacific.

In January, Student Job Search had 38,000 applications for 4600 roles.

Unemployment, net migration and lower concrete volumes are cited as examples of downturn.

Freightways, Port of Tauranga and Summerset offer clues on broader demand.

OPINION: Will stronger GDP growth this side of the Tasman be a short-lived aberration?

Economists at Westpac believe GDP will grow by 3.3% this year.

My Career Brand founder Craig McAlpine reveals job market tips. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY