News

Falling interest rates are good for growth, businesses, jobs and Kiwis paying off their mortgages, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

The Reserve Bank announced that it was reducing the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 3.25 to 3% and signalled two further reductions this year.

Labour market statistics provide a picture of the New Zealand labour market, including unemployment and employment rates, demand for labour, and changes in wages and salaries. 

In the June 2025 quarter, compared with the March 2025 quarter, the:

More than 5,300 young Kiwis will benefit from new funding which invests in their business potential, develops enterprise skills, and better prepares them for their future work environment, Youth Minister James Meager has announced.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting with manufacturers to help businesses focus on managing genuine risks rather than navigating red tape.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced the establishment of a new institute to grow New Zealand’s advanced technology sector and boost high-value exports. 

The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 

Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market. 

The Government has passed a change to the Employment Relations Act that reinstates the ability for employers to make pay deductions during partial strikes – making the system fairer for all, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says amendments to the Employment Relations Act will improve labour market flexibility and help businesses to grow, innovate, and employ with confidence and certainty.

Business employment data includes filled jobs and gross earnings, with breakdowns by industry, sex, age, region, and territorial authority area, using a combination of data from two different Inland Revenue sources: the employer monthly schedule (EMS) and payday filing.

As part of broader health and safety reforms, WorkSafe will significantly refocus from an enforcement agency to one that engages early to support businesses and individuals to manage their critical risks, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says.

Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market. 

Key facts: 

Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the April 2025 month (compared with the March 2025 month) were: