Podcasts about stats nz

New data out of Stats NZ reveals the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. It's a stronger result than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks these results - and voices his concerns about the future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank's chief economist says GDP figures released today show good momentum - but the next report isn't looking as good. Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong 0.8 percent in this year's first quarter. It's much higher than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. Jarrod Kerr says there is less optimism around the quarter ending June. "The data that we talked about was for the first quarter - obviously, it pre-dates Trump's tariff announcements, which has thrown a whole lot of uncertainty into the year. And it also predates the recent spike in oil prices." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economy is expected to look better than earlier predictions. Figures —due out from Stats NZ this morning— are expected to show the country's GDP grew 0.7% for the first quarter of the year. It's slightly higher than 0.4%, predicted earlier this year. ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley told Mike Hosking things are expected to slow through the middle half of the year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns scrapping the traditional census won't deliver the desired results. Stats NZ is moving to a system using Government collected admin-data, saying the current five yearly Census is financially unsustainable. Census-style questions will still be asked in much smaller annual surveys looking at a small fraction of the population. Former national statistician Len Cook told Mike Hosking data-wise, this won't cut it. He says admin-data comes from about a dozen different sources, none of them complete. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's goodbye to the five-yearly Census from 2030, and hello to a smaller annual survey. They're changing things up, instead assessing a smaller chunk of the population yearly. Information people have already provided to Government departments will be used to inform the data, and Stats NZ says the changes will help provide more accurate and timely information. Population and Housing Statistics spokesperson Sean Broughton told Kerre Woodham the traditional approach to the Census is no longer sustainable. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food prices increased 4.4 percent in the 12 months to May 2025, following a 3.7 percent increase in the 12 months to April 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ. Higher prices for the grocery food group and the meat, poultry and fish group contributed most to the annual increase in food prices. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks the factors behind this data. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch is acting as a magnet for thousands of Kiwis making the move down South. The latest Stats NZ census data shows 85,000 people moved to the South Island between 2018 and 2023. Around half of those have gone to the Canterbury region. ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams told Mike Hosking the Garden City's versatility is being recognized. She says people are realizing you can have a brilliant career and a great life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honestly, I don't know why we report on polls. Seriously, I don't know why I'm even talking about them myself, but it's really ripped my nightie overnight. They're so frustrating, and because media companies commission them, it makes the media look like master manipulators. This is from 1News last night (I didn't watch 1News, obvs) but this is from their website – both National and Labour have slid in the latest 1News-Verian poll, while New Zealand First have moved to their strongest position in eight years. If an election were to be held today, the right bloc of National, ACT, and New Zealand First would have 63 seats —enough to form a coalition— while the left bloc of Labour, the Greens, and Te Pati Māori would have 58 seats. So that's from 1News and their Verian poll. This is from Radio New Zealand – after the budget and pay equity changes, the left bloc would have the support to turf the coalition out of power, the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll shows. The preferred Prime Minister and leadership ratings are also bad news for the government, with the exception of Winston Peters, who's seen his highest results since 2017. The ratings of the government's general performance have also continued to slide, with Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori all gaining compared to the previous poll, they would have a majority with 63 seats between them, compared to the coalitions 57. A direct opposite of what 1News-Verian said. How can this be? And it's always headline news. You've got 1News talking about the right bloc being able to hold on to power, but only just, and look out. You've got RNZ crowing about the fact that the coalition government would be turfed out of power with the left gaining hold. And both lead with it, and it leaves me scratching my head and doubting both of them. How do you imagine the pollsters collect their data? Random phone calls of 1000 people? No, no, no. It's far more tricky than that, and they put it in every story. It must be an obligation on the part of the media company to say how the data was collected. From TVNZ: Between May 24 and May 28, 1002 eligible voters were polled by mobile phone (500) and online, using online panels (502). What are online panels? Are they things you sign up to yourself? Who knows? The maximum sampling area is approximately plus 3.1%. Party support percentages have been rounded up or down to whole numbers. The data has been weighted to align with Stats NZ population counts for age, gender, region, ethnic identification and education level. So what does that mean? If I'm a numpty, am I worth 2 points as opposed to somebody who leaves school worth NCEA and that's worth one? What does that mean? If I'm 18 and I respond, does that mean because there are fewer 18 year olds who respond, does it mean that my reckon is worth double that of somebody who's 50+. How can you weight the information? And not all 18 year olds think the same way. If you're looking at ethnic identification, not all Māori, not all Pakeha, not all Pasifika, not all Chinese people, think the same way. The sample for mobile phones is selected by random dialling using probability sampling. Online sample is collected using an online panel. So that's from 1News. This is from RNZ: This poll of 1008 people was conducted by Reid Research using quota sampling and weighting to ensure representative cross section by age, gender and geography. The poll was conducted through online interviews between the 23rd and 30th of May 2025, has a maximum margin of error of +/- 3.1%. I'm of a mind to never discuss the polls again. The statisticians and the research pollsters and the companies all say, oh, no, no, no, it's terribly scientific. Is it really? When you've got two polls conducted over the same time, presumably using the same scientific methods, coming up with two completely different results. If the polls were scientific, surely you'd see a consensus of opinion. You wouldn't go sniffing like a truffle hunter looking for respondents that agree with your particular version of the way things should be. It's like you're researching into an echo chamber. It's not worth the time and the money. If this is what RNZ is spending their money on, given that they are funded by the taxpayer, I'd rather they spend it on training up young reporters or allowing a veteran reporter to spend some time doing some investigative journalism, rather than coming up with a poll that supports their worldview. And which is in direct contrast to the other taxpayer funded organisation, which is kind of paying its way at the moment, which is 1News. What is the point? How on earth can we take them seriously when they come up with completely different results and when all the data is weighed, quotas are taken, samplings adjusted. It's an absolute crock. The emperor is stark naked and shouldn't be taken seriously at all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief New Zealand's entering the early stages of an export-led recovery. Stats NZ data reveals it's at $1.4 billion in April, compared with a $12 million deficit last year. The dairy sector's been the big winner, up $601 million to $2.2 billion. Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking it's promising on the back of a tough three years in the sector. He says domestically people aren't spending a lot, so imports aren't coming in, but fortunately the world is buying more from us which is a great point in the cycle. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A strong primary sector performance has produced a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus - for the first time in five years. Stats NZ data reveals it sat on $1.4 billion dollars in April, compared with a $12 million dollar deficit for the same time last year. Export NZ Executive Director, Joshua Tan, says it's a team effort across the food and fibre sector. He says dairy, red meat, fruit and wood exports have all risen by millions of dollars. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The primary sector's going gangbusters, with a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus for the first time in five years. Stats NZ data reveals it sat on $1.4 billion in April, compared with a $12 million deficit for the same time last year. The dairy sector's been the big winner. Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson Richard McIntyre told Ryan Bridge a lot of dairy farmers have smiles on their faces. He says they're proud of their contribution to the economy, and the wider standard of living they help Kiwis generate. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A strong primary sector performance has produced a billion-dollar monthly trade surplus - for the first time in five years. Stats NZ data reveals it sat on $1.4 billion dollars in April, compared with a $12 million dollar deficit for the same time last year. Export NZ Executive Director, Joshua Tan, says it's a team effort across the food and fibre sector. He says dairy, red meat, fruit and wood exports have all risen by millions of dollars. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bustle of butter-buying at Auckland's Costco - where it costs $10 a kilo. Stats NZ figures show the price of a block of butter has soared 65 percent in the past year. Videos on social media show shoppers piling boxes of the spread into carts at the bulk-buy supermarket. Former Costco managing director, Patrick Noone, says the store's very unlikely to try to stop bulk buying. He explained they did it once when eggs were short - but if they can supply it, they'll let people buy as much as they can. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bustle of butter-buying at Auckland's Costco - where it costs $10 a kilo. Stats NZ figures show the price of a block of butter has soared 65 percent in the past year. Videos on social media show shoppers piling boxes of the spread into carts at the bulk-buy supermarket. Former Costco managing director, Patrick Noone, says the store's very unlikely to try to stop bulk buying. He explained they did it once when eggs were short - but if they can supply it, they'll let people buy as much as they can. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soaring food prices might be hard to swallow. Stats NZ figures reveal prices rose 3.7% annually last month, with increases across all food categories. Butter prices increased 65.3%, milk and cheese went up 15.1% and 24% respectively. Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin told Mike Hosking there's pressure on products we're getting export success from. He says it's a fantastic part of the story, but the impact on consumer is clear. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Butter, cheese and milk were the biggest drivers of a rise in food prices for the year to April 2025, new figures from Stats NZ show. Food prices increased 3.7 percent in the 12 months to April - well ahead of the annual inflation rate at 2.6 percent. That follows a 3.5 percent increase in the 12 months to March 2025. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what's going on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Butter, cheese and milk were the biggest drivers of a rise in food prices for the year to April 2025, new figures from Stats NZ show. Food prices increased 3.7 percent in the 12 months to April - well ahead of the annual inflation rate at 2.6 percent. That follows a 3.5 percent increase in the 12 months to March 2025. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what's going on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Net migration is expected to stay low, with global affairs keeping many people where they are. Stats NZ data shows there was a net migration gain of only 26 thousand in the year to March, down from more than 100 thousand the year before. It says the fall is mainly due to fewer migrant couples arriving, with a slight increase in departures. Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking a big question mark hovers around the migration figures. He says he's unsure whether the numbers will keep, or if it's going to keep dropping and New Zealand will see something similar to the net loss seen during the global financial crisis. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unemployment rate has stayed static for another quarter. Stats NZ figures just out show the rate remained at 5.1% in the March quarter. The number of full-time workers fell by 45 thousand over the year and part-time employment grew by 25 thousand. Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham today's figures are a surprise. He says this is good news but it hasn't felt like it, and economists will be scratching their heads. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unemployment rate has stayed static for another quarter. Stats NZ figures just out show the rate remained at 5.1% in the March quarter. The number of full-time workers fell by 45 thousand over the year and part-time employment grew by 25 thousand. Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham today's figures are a surprise. He says this is good news but it hasn't felt like it, and economists will be scratching their heads. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An observation the recession hasn't been felt evenly. Stats NZ data out this morning could show unemployment has hit its highest point since 2016 during the March quarter – reaching around 5.2%. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Mike Hosking she expects it will have bigger impacts on different age groups and communities. She says young people as well as Māori and Pacific communities have always been on a bigger rollercoaster when it comes to the labour market. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures from Stats NZ show livestock numbers have dropped substantially over the past decade. The total number of sheep dropped by 21 percent and the total number of dairy cattle also fell by 13 percent over a 10-year period. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks what could be causing these drops. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday 7th of May 2025, The government wants to overhaul the Gender pay equity claims process, Teacher aide Ally Kingi explains how it will impact her workforce. National's putting forward a member's bill that bans social media for under 16-year-olds, parenting expert Nathan Wallis shares his thoughts. We get the unemployment figures from Stats NZ this morning, ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith shares his take. Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on the new UK and India trade deal. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mixed opinions on when unemployment will reach its peak. Stats NZ data out this morning is predicted to show rates increased to around 5.2% during the March quarter. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner expects this will likely be as high as it will go. While ASB senior economist Mark Smith told Ryan Bridge it could be a bit higher later in the year. He says they've seen firms hold back on hiring as disruptions to trade and economic concerns continue. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures from Stats NZ show livestock numbers have dropped substantially over the past decade. The total number of sheep dropped by 21 percent and the total number of dairy cattle also fell by 13 percent over a 10-year period. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks what could be causing these drops. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's livestock numbers are on the decline. Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014. The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period, coinciding with the increase in land being converted for forestry. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard told Mike Hosking he believes the costs around RMA and other rules and regulations are partially responsible. He says one farmer he visited gave up and converted entirely to forestry as dealing with the wetland rules and requirements were too hard and costly. Hoggard hopes the work they're doing around RMA will allow farmers to make smart decisions on their farms as opposed to giving up and planting trees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tough winter ahead for meat processing plants as livestock numbers continue to decline. Latest figures from Stats NZ show a 21% drop in sheep numbers over the past 10 years – a total decline of 6.2 million sheep since 2014. The number of dairy cattle also fell 13% over the same period. Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair Toby Williams told Ryan Bridge keeping livestock processing plants open, profitable, and running efficiently is a significant challenge. He says big plants are struggling to get numbers of livestock through, with close to million less lambs to process this year than last. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Topic #1:  Good Returns 15th of April - Non-banks may offer lower rates under deposit insurance schemeTopic #2: NZ Herald 15th of April - NZ's house price median drops $30,000 annually, Auckland down 2.8%: REINZTopic #3: Oneroof 20th of April - ‘Too much of a risk' - Agents to fire landlords who ignore Healthy Homes deadlineTopic #4: NZ Herald 14th of April -Kiwi card spending drops 0.8% in March, Stats NZ data revealTopic #5: Corelogic 16th of April -Buyer power dynamics are changingSupport the show*Nothing from this episode should be taken as individual financial advice. *Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Key services are lagging behind in Canterbury's Selwyn district as it tries to cope with exponential population growth. Stats NZ data shows it remains the fastest growing district in the country, with 3200 new arrivals in the year to June. Rolleston and Lincoln experienced the biggest jumps, at 9.6% and 8.1% respectively. Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking Selwyn falls behind when it comes to infrastructure. For example, he says that of the 20-odd primary schools with more than 700 students, five of them are in Selwyn. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been some positive trade news. Stats NZ data shows goods exports rose 19 percent to $7.6 billion in March - compared to the same time a year ago. Milk powder, butter and cheese rose 35 percent to $2.3 billion. Goods imports rose 12 percent to $6.6 billion. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon unpacked the factors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows inflation's gone up again - and there's concerns about what it could mean going forward. The latest Stats NZ figures put the rate at 2.5 percent, up from 2.2 percent three months ago. It's the first time it's risen in almost three years. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this could mean for the state of the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ says the Consumer Price Index rose 0.9 percent in the three months ended March, taking the annual rate to 2.5 pct

New data shows a significant number of Kiwis are working past the retirement age. A new report from Stats NZ shows there are almost 200,000 New Zealanders aged 65 or older that are still in the workforce. This research also reveals at least 1200 Kiwis in their 90's are still working. Financial adviser Martin Hawes says many of these people will need the extra money - and plenty are just used to working. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of the worst recession since 1991. New Zealand's gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7% in the December 2024 quarter, following a 1.1% decrease in the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Tim Beveridge about the turning point. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist is warning not to expect big growth in GDP figures out today. Data —due out from Stats NZ just before 11 this morning— is expected to show the economy has been pulled out of recession, but is still crawling to recovery. Economists are predicting growth of between 0.3 and 0.5%. Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon told Ryan Bridge he's predicting flat growth in the fourth quarter. He says there have been signs things are turning, but it's likely to have happened in the beginning of this year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ says there were nearly 123,000 migrant departures in January which is the highest ever for an annual period. SBS Finance Editor finds out why, and where they are going with Mark Smith from ASB, plus a closer look at US markets with Isaac Poole Oreana Private Wealth.

The number of people leaving the country long-term hit another new record in the year to January - but monthly data suggests the brain drain has peaked. Stats NZ provisional data for the January 2025 year (compared with January 2024) showed migrant departures up 18 percent to 122,800, the highest on record for an annual period. Migrant arrivals, at 155,300 were down, 31 percent for the year. NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, explains what this means for the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about government legislation for a four year parliamentary term, and the government giving further powers for citizen arrests. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to the Director of Advocacy at IHC New Zealand; an intellectual disability advocacy group, Tania Thomas, on the recently released Stats NZ figures showing a large number of individuals with a disability are needing better care in at least one aspect of their life. Joel speaks to an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, on his doctoral research, calling for Aotearoa to adopt an animal welfare police unit. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss students starting university for the year Whakarongo mai!

Recently, Stats NZ have released findings from the 2023 Household Disability Survey (HDS), collected during the 2023 Census, that found that 63% of those with a disability in Aotearoa have called for better care in at least one aspect of their lives, such as with better support, reasonable accommodation, home modifications and equipment, and medical care. The HDS found that in New Zealand, roughly 10% of children have a disability, with this being 18% of adults, equating to roughly 851,000 people. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the Director of Advocacy at IHC New Zealand; an intellectual disability advocacy group, Tania Thomas, about these recently released findings, specifically for those who have an intellectual disability. This comes as the organisation is set to release a report using these findings in the coming months, highlighting the significant hardship faced by those with an intellectual disability; reinforcing the need for urgent policy to address these concerns. Joel started off by asking her if these findings were surprising to her.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Labour's Carmel Sepuloni about the new Stats NZ child poverty stats, the government's proposed changes to citizens arrest laws, and the protests at Lake Rotokākahi.  For International Desk, they spoke to Red Tsounga, President of the Aotearoa Africa Foundation, about the ongoing conflict in the Congo. And they spoke to Carolyn Young, Chief Executive of Retail New Zealand, about the proposed expansion of citizen arrest laws. For City Counselling this week, Producer Sofia caught up with Councillor Julie Fairey about Auckland Council's proposal to move Kumeū due to flood risk and bed night visitor levy to fill a budget gap for major events.  She also spoke to Dr Annette Lasham from the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Science about new research from 185 countries showing New Zealand and Australia have the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the world. And Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke to University of Auckland health researcher Dr Joanna Hikaka about a new study on older Māori experience with ACC.

We drank more beer last year but eased back on wine and spirit-based drinks. Those were the findings in Stats NZ data about alcohol consumption in 2024, with beer having bounced back from a lean year preivously. Brian Watson, Chair of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand spoke with Alexa Cook.

On today's episode, Corin Dann speaks Ingrid Hipkiss from Beijing, a man from Havelock North has been banned from his local supermarket after raising concerns about trollies blocking the fire exit, Phil Pennington joins us on the topic of two firefighters wearing the wrong gear who suffered sulphuric acid burns, FENZ incident controller Corey Matchitt joins us for an update on the fire in Waipoua, meanwhle, the Police Association has slammed the beefed-up citizen arrest powers proposed by the Government, saying they are highly risky and could have unintended consequences, and we drank more beer last year but eased back on wine and spirit-based drinks. Those were the findings in Stats NZ data about alcohol consumption in 2024.

Advocates for children are calling for urgent action as new data shows child poverty rates have stalled, and the government has missed all three of its targets. Stats NZ figures released this morning show hundreds of thousands of kids were living below the poverty line last year - and there was no improvement from the year before. Lauren Crimp reports.

Te Pāti Māori is calling a report into the handling of data at a marae linked to its candidate a 'hatchet job.' The report found Stats NZ raised concerns about conflict of interest and privacy risks at Manurewa marae - but those concerns were ignored. Health NZ and the Ministry of Health had no safeguards in place at all. Accusations the party misused the data are still being investigated. Political Reporter Russell Palmer has more.

Stats NZ's boss will step down after the release of a long-awaited report into Census and COVID-19 vaccination data collected at Manurewa Marae. It found that government agencies failed to put adequate safeguards in place to protect people's personal information, and manage conflicts of interest. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen.

The head of StatsNZ is falling on his sword, after a long-awaited inquiry found the agency failed to put adequate safeguards in place to ensure Census information collected at Manurewa marae was not misused. Political reporter Giles Dexter has more.

Researchers are hoping to get a glimpse into the secret lives of Aotearoa's children in the school census. More than 200 schools have already registered to take part in the project that is a collaboration between Stats NZ, Auckland University and the Ministry of Education. The country's largest school survey happens every two years and has been going almost a quarter of a century. Rachel Cunliffe from Census at School spoke to Lisa Owen.

According to the latest Stats NZ employment data, unemployment rose 5.1 percent in the three months ended December - the highest level since 2020. That comes to about 156,000 people. Checkpoint discussed the plight of the country's unemployed with Finance Minister Nicola Willis last week, which prompted dozens of public sector workers to get in touch to tell us what it's been like since they lost their jobs. Louise Ternouth reports.

Choosing between putting food on the table or paying essential bills, while applying for hundreds of jobs - and not hearing back. That's the reality for many of the people who've found themselves out of work, as they compete for a scarcity of available jobs. According to latest Stats NZ employment data, out today, unemployment rose to 5.1 percent in the three months ended December - the highest level since 2020. Among the 156,000 unemployed are thousands of workers culled in the coalition Government's programme of public-sector cuts. Louise Ternouth reports.

The unemployment queue just got a whole lot longer. Another 33,000 people, pretty much a capacity crowd at Wellington's Sky stadium, have joined the ranks of the unemployed in the past year. The unemployment rate has hit 5.1 percent; a four year high. That is 156,000 people out of work. The number of people who want more work but can't get it is also on the rise. Stats NZ said that reflects a a substantial fall in male dominated jobs like technicians, trade worke, machinery operatrs and drivers. Minister for finance and economic growth, Nicola Willis spoke to Lisa Owen.