Unemployment Rate: New Zealand
New Zealand's unemployment rate is currently 5.1% as of 2026. # New Zealand Unemployment Rate New Zealand's unemployment rate stands at 5.
Current (2026)
5.1%
-1.9% y/y
Peak (1992)
10.7%
Low (2022)
3.3%
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Unemployment Rate — New Zealand
1980 — 2026
Unemployment Rate — New Zealand
Analysis# New Zealand Unemployment Rate
New Zealand's unemployment rate stands at 5.1% in 2026, reflecting a moderate labor market after years of significant improvement. The country reached its all-time low of 3.3% in 2022, a dramatic recovery from the 10.7% peak recorded in 1992. Since 1980, the unemployment rate has risen 27.5 percentage points overall, though recent years show considerable volatility around historically lower levels.
The most striking trend emerged between 2017 and 2022, when unemployment declined steadily from 4.8% to 3.3%—a five-year period of strong labor market tightening. However, this momentum reversed in 2023, climbing to 3.8% and continuing upward through 2025 and 2026. The recent uptick suggests a cooling labor market, though current rates remain well below historical averages, indicating structural resilience in New Zealand's economy.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 4.4% | +0.00% |
| 2029 | 4.4% | -2.22% |
| 2028 | 4.5% | +0.00% |
| 2027 | 4.5% | -11.76% |
| 2026 | 5.1% | -1.92% |
| 2025 | 5.2% | +8.33% |
| 2024 | 4.8% | +26.32% |
| 2023 | 3.8% | +15.15% |
| 2022 | 3.3% | -13.16% |
| 2021 | 3.8% | -17.39% |
| 2020 | 4.6% | +12.20% |
| 2019 | 4.1% | -4.65% |
| 2018 | 4.3% | -10.42% |
| 2017 | 4.8% | -7.69% |
| 2016 | 5.2% | -3.70% |
| 2015 | 5.4% | +0.00% |
| 2014 | 5.4% | -6.90% |
| 2013 | 5.8% | -10.77% |
| 2012 | 6.5% | +6.56% |
| 2011 | 6.1% | -1.61% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 6.2% | +5.08% |
| 2009 | 5.9% | +47.50% |
| 2008 | 4.0% | +11.11% |
| 2007 | 3.6% | -7.69% |
| 2006 | 3.9% | +2.63% |
| 2005 | 3.8% | -5.00% |
| 2004 | 4.0% | -16.67% |
| 2003 | 4.8% | -9.43% |
| 2002 | 5.3% | -3.64% |
| 2001 | 5.5% | -11.29% |
| 2000 | 6.2% | -12.68% |
| 1999 | 7.1% | -7.79% |
| 1998 | 7.7% | +11.59% |
| 1997 | 6.9% | +9.52% |
| 1996 | 6.3% | -3.08% |
| 1995 | 6.5% | -22.62% |
| 1994 | 8.4% | -14.29% |
| 1993 | 9.8% | -8.41% |
| 1992 | 10.7% | +0.94% |
| 1991 | 10.6% | +32.50% |
| 1990 | 8.0% | +9.59% |
| 1989 | 7.3% | +25.86% |
| 1988 | 5.8% | +38.10% |
| 1987 | 4.2% | +0.00% |
| 1986 | 4.2% | +7.69% |
| 1985 | 3.9% | -45.83% |
| 1984 | 7.2% | +16.13% |
| 1983 | 6.2% | +40.91% |
| 1982 | 4.4% | +12.82% |
| 1981 | 3.9% | -2.50% |
| 1980 | 4.0% | — |
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For New Zealand
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Demographics
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