Employer Bulletin | 2 November 2026
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.
The total seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the September 2026 month (compared with the August 2026 month) went up 0.3% (7,227 jobs) to 2.36 million filled jobs. This was higher by 22,791 jobs (1%) than in September 2025. Men specifically attained 8,190 more jobs (0.7%), and women 8,597 jobs (0.7%), than in September 2025.
On an accrual basis, the total gross earnings rose $524 million (3.4%) compared with September 2025. The total gross earnings for the September 2026 month were $16.1 billion.
Filled jobs in primary industries went up 0.4% (432 jobs), goods-producing industries went up 0.4% (1,584 jobs) and service industries went up 0.3% (5,177 jobs). The industries that experienced the largest changes were public administration and safety (up 6,041 jobs or 3.7%), and health care and social assistance (up 5,942 jobs or 2.1%).
Auckland (up 6,798 jobs or 0.9%) and Canterbury (up 6,519 jobs or 2.1%) experienced the biggest gross increases by region, but Otago was also up a similar percentage – 2.2% (2,638 jobs). All age groups saw an increase in jobs over 2.3% and many into 3%, but 65+ year olds experienced the greatest increase, going up 5,800 jobs (4.3%).
Statistics New Zealand [28 October 2026]
In today’s Bulletin:
Court finds Authority did not consider company values
Employee’s misconduct does not justify unfair process
Employee’s concerning driving upheld as serious misconduct
Point too quickly reached in conclusion of redundancy
No fixed hours means no fixed employment status
Six news updates of interest for employers including:
Quarterly technology investment update
Have your say on draft earthquake-prone building guidance
Employment indicators: September 2026
Underlying performance gains continue but Sensitive Claims adding pressure
Work begins on Warkworth to Te Hana motorway
Northland to get fourth Rural Training Hub
Up to 98-hour weeks, paid for 40: Christchurch motel owner sentenced for exploiting
migrant workers
Six Bills open for submission
If you have any questions, about this case or other employment relation matters, call the Advice Line team on 0800 800 362.
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