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2011-2016

2011-2016

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December 2016 Quarter

Labour force participation continues to grow

In the December 2016 quarter, the seasonally adjusted labour force participation rate rose to 70.5 percent, up by 0.4 percentage points from the September 2016 quarter. The number of people participating in the labour force, at 2,649,000, increased by 1.1 percent (up 29,000 people) in the December 2016 quarter, with both men and women contributing to this.

The labour force comprises all those in the working-age population who were either employed or officially unemployed. Over the quarter, more people were employed and unemployed.

In the same period, the seasonally adjusted number of people not participating in the labour force fell by 12,000 people (down 1.0 percent). The fall came predominately from women, down 11,000 (down 1.6 percent); the number of men not participating fell by 1,000 (down 0.2 percent).

Employment growth remains strong

The seasonally adjusted working-age population was up 0.5 percent (up 17,000 people) in the December 2016 quarter, to reach 3,755,000.

In this quarter, seasonally adjusted employment increased 0.8 percent, with 19,000 more people employed than in the September 2016 quarter. This is the fifth consecutive quarter where growth in employment has exceeded growth in the working-age population. This has resulted in the employment rate rising to 66.9 percent, up 0.2 percentage points from the September 2016 quarter.

Percentage change working-age population and employmentSeasonally adjusted, quarterlyPersons employedWorking-age population-10M-11J-11S-11D-11M-12J-12S-12D-12M-13J-13S-13D-13M-14J-14S-14D-14M-15J-15S-15D-15M-16J-16S-16D-16-10123Source: Stats NZ

Seasonally adjusted employment rose for both men and women over the December 2016 quarter. The number of employed women was up 1.0 percent (up 11,000); for men, the increase was 0.6 percent (up 8,000) over the quarter.

The number of seasonally adjusted filled jobs reported by businesses from the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) increased 1.2 percent over the December 2016 quarter, and 3.3 percent over the year – the largest annual increase since the March 2015 quarter, when it was 3.3 percent.

Unemployment rate rises to 5.2 percent

The seasonally adjusted number of people unemployed increased by 10,000 in the December 2016 quarter. This means there were more people available to work, and who had either actively sought work or had a new job to start within the next four weeks. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage points to 5.2 percent in the December 2016 quarter.

In the year to the December 2016 quarter, the number of unemployed people increased by 15,000; the unemployment rate was 4.9 percent a year ago.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for men increased to 4.8 percent (up 0.1 percentage points) and for women, to 5.7 percent (up 0.5 percentage points). Over the quarter 3,000 more men and 7,000 more women were unemployed.

PercentUnemployment rate by sexSeasonally adjustedMaleFemaleTotalD-06M-07J-07S-07D-07M-08J-08S-08D-08M-09J-09S-09D-09M-10J-10S-10D-10M-11J-11S-11D-11M-12J-12S-12D-12M-13J-13S-13D-13M-14J-14S-14D-14M-15J-15S-15D-15M-16J-16S-16D-1634567M-16Male: 4.8Source: Stats NZ

Taranaki had the only significant change in the unemployment rate over the year (up to 6.8 percent), up 2.9 percentage points from the December 2015 quarter. Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay and Northland continued to have the highest unemployment rates in the country, at 8.1 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively.

Number of people underutilised increases

The following section refers to unadjusted figures.

Underutilisation is a measure of potential labour supply and unmet needs for work. An underutilised person may be unemployed, underemployed, an unavailable jobseeker, or an available potential jobseeker.

In the December 2016 quarter, 25,900 more people were underutilised. Behind the rise were significant increases to the officially unemployed (up 12,300) and unavailable jobseekers (up 10,100 people). Unavailable jobseekers are those who are actively seeking work even though they are not currently available, but would become available within the next four weeks.

The underutilisation rate increased 0.6 percentage points to 12.8 percent in the December 2016 quarter. This change was not statistically significant.

September 2016 Quarter

​Employment growth continues to outpace population growth

The seasonally adjusted working-age population increased 0.7 percent (up 24,000 people) in the September 2016 quarter, to reach 3,739,000.

The largest growth in the population was in the younger age groups, with just over half of the population growth being in the 20 to 34-year age groups.

In the September 2016 quarter, seasonally adjusted employment increased 1.4 percent, with 35,000 more people employed than in the June quarter. The growth in employment in the latest quarter exceeded growth in the working-age population, which resulted in an increase in the employment rate of 0.5 percentage points, up to 66.7 percent.

Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast had the only significant change in the unemployment rate over the year (down to 2.8 percent), falling 2.2 percentage points from the September 2015 quarter. This is the lowest unemployment rate for this region since December 2007, bringing it to a similar level as before the 2008 recession. At 2.8 percent, this also makes it the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

The June 2016 quarter estimates suggest employment growth of 2.4 percent (58,000 people), and that the employment rate has reached 66.2 percent. However, some of the changes to the redeveloped HLFS need to be considered when interpreting this quarter’s results. Overall, the new survey appears to be estimating a higher level (or stock) of employment than the previous HLFS.

​​

Labour force participation rate remains high

In the September 2016 quarter, the seasonally adjusted number of people not in the labour force fell 0.7 percent (down 8,000 people). This, coupled with the growth in employment, resulted in the labour force participation rate rising to 70.1 percent, a 0.4 percentage-point increase over the quarter. This reflects 33,000 more people in the labour force, with both more men and women.

​​

Fewer people underutilised

Underutilisation is a measure of potential labour supply and unmet needs for work. An underutilised person may be unemployed, underemployed, an unavailable jobseeker, or an available potential jobseeker.

Over the latest quarter, the underutilisation rate fell 0.5 percentage points, to 12.2 percent. This reflects 13,000 fewer people being underutilised.

The decrease in the number of people underutilised was driven by a fall in the number of female ‘available potential jobseekers’, down 8,600. These are people who are available and want to work, but are not actively seeking work.

June 2016 Quarter

Unemployment down slightly

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 percent in the June 2016 quarter (from a revised 5.2 percent in the March 2016 quarter). There were 1,000 fewer people unemployed over the June quarter, down to 131,000.

In seasonally adjusted terms, there were 2,000 fewer women unemployed in the June 2016 quarter. Their unemployment rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 5.4 percent. The unemployment rate for men decreased 0.1 percentage point, down to 4.7 percent.

(Percent)Unemployment rate quarterly, June 2007–2016Seasonally adjustedTrendJ-07J-08J-09J-10J-11J-12J-13J-14J-15J-1634567Seasonally adjusted: 5.9Source: Stats NZ

​​

Employment

The June 2016 quarter estimates suggest employment growth of 2.4 percent (58,000 people), and that the employment rate has reached 66.2 percent. However, some of the changes to the redeveloped HLFS need to be considered when interpreting this quarter’s results. Overall, the new survey appears to be estimating a higher level (or stock) of employment than the previous HLFS.

(000)People employedQuarterly, June 2007–2016Seasonally adjustedTrendActualJ-07J-08J-09J-10J-11J-12J-13J-14J-15J-1621002200230024002500Source: Stats NZ

Although we have backdated some changes to the questionnaire for certain estimates, in particular, the unemployment rate, it was not possible to apply the changes in employment measures to historical data. The changes in the questionnaire for employment, therefore, result in a methodological break in the series between March 2016 and June 2016.

See Improving labour market statistics.

Changes that had an effect on the June 2016 quarter’s employment estimates are:

improved questions about undertaking paid work, which is now identifying more self-employed people in the labour market

including people employed in the armed forces and residing in private dwellings in the survey population.

Understanding the increase in employment

The change in employment this quarter is influenced by both changes to the survey and by real increases in the number of people employed. The improvements to the employment status questions in the questionnaire were made to correct an issue in the former questionnaire, which probably over-estimated the number of paid-employees and underestimated employers and ‘self-employed without employees’.

The graph above shows the employment status in the main job. It highlights an atypical increase in some of the employment status categories. Employers and the ‘self-employed without employees’ rose 62,500 and 32,000, respectively, from the March to June 2016 quarters. This was partly offset by a drop in the number of paid employees, down 45,400 over the quarter. On an unadjusted basis, total employment had a net increase of 45,300 people.

While it is not possible to understand at an individual level how the questionnaire changes have altered the way questions are answered, our testing and monitoring have shown the new questions are performing as expected. There are considerable flows of people from being paid employees to being employers, bringing the HLFS estimates more in line with other data sources. This is a one-off adjustment, which has shifted a number of people to more-correct employment status. In most instances, these classification changes simply move people within the overall ’employed’ category. However, evidence suggests some people have also been identified as self-employed (without employees) who were previously counted in the, not in the labour force category.

​​

Evidence for employment growth over the quarter

While the magnitude of the changes due to new questions and any real changes in employment status cannot be quantified, other labour market indicators suggest there was real growth in employment in the June 2016 quarter.

In previous quarters employment growth has been equal to or has exceeded growth in the working-age population, with a few exceptions, for the last three years.

Latest National Population Estimates show the largest-ever population increase was for the year ended June 2016. We would expect this population growth to be reflected in the employment growth this quarter.

(Percent)Working-age population and employmentSeasonally adjusted, quarterlyWorking-age populationEmploymentJ-10J-11J-12J-13J-14J-15J-16-10123Source: Stats NZ

Although the coverage of the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) varies from the HLFS, the QES seasonally adjusted figures show the number of filled jobs increased 3.1 percent over the year to the June 2016 quarter. This compares with a 1.9 percent increase in the year to June 2015.

The following industries made the largest contribution to the increase in filled jobs in the QES for the year to June 2016 (not seasonally adjusted):

  • accommodation and food services (up 14,000 jobs, 11.0 percent)

  • construction (up 10,000 jobs, 6.8 percent)

  • health care and social assistance (up 9,100 jobs, 4.1 percent)

  • professional, scientific, technical, administrative, and support services (up 9,100 jobs, 3.6 percent).

We also have a monthly filled-jobs series based on tax data. This covers all jobs belonging to workers who were paid wages or salaries at any point in the month and uses data from the Employers Monthly Schedule tax form. The latest estimates from this series show a 3.1 percent increase in filled jobs between April 2015 and April 2016.

See Experimental monthly filled-job series for more information.

Looking at the impact of the survey change

Self-employment

The effect of changes to the employment status questions is to reclassify some people previously identified as not in the labour force to self-employed. We expect this is largely due to moving away from the question “did you do any work for pay or profit in a job, business or farm?”. This resulted in an increase in the number of employed and a corresponding decrease in the number of people not in the labour force.

To dig deeper into this change, we look at some changes in employment status between quarters for individuals in the survey. Households remain in the survey for eight consecutive quarters, therefore we can see the employment status of people who responded in both the March and June 2016 quarters. From this, we saw an increase in the proportion of people who were not in the labour force in the March quarter who were now identified as self-employed.

New information on job tenure suggests these people have been self-employed for some time, which confirms the issues in the previous questionnaire. This strongly indicates the questionnaire change has improved the identification of self-employed people.

(Percent)Likelihood a person joins the labour force as self-employedNILF to self-employedJ-14S-14D-14M-15J-15S-15D-15M-16J-160123Source: Stats NZ

Defence force included

​A change in the population of the HLFS is contributing to the increase in employment. We have added in members of the armed forces living in private dwellings who were previously excluded. This has added 7,000 to 10,000 people to the total number of people employed.

See Datainfo+ for more information on this improvement.

The effect on estimates following the change in the population is noticeable when looking at employment estimates broken down by industry and region. The public safety and administration industry, which includes the defence force, had a significant increase in people employed in the June 2016 quarter, as did the Manawatu-Wanganui region, where some survey collection took place near and around the Linton army camp. This means the movements for this industry and region should be treated with caution this quarter.

Seasonal adjustment

​The changes made to the survey have the potential to affect the seasonal pattern observed in the employment estimates. We considered several options for how to account for any discontinuities arising from survey changes.

We decided not to intervene in the seasonal adjustment process this quarter, due to needing more than one quarter’s data to be available to estimate the new seasonal pattern.

See Datainfo+ for more information.

Managing the impact of the change

​Following consultation with our customers we have introduced all the survey changes associated with our development plan this quarter rather than phasing them in over several quarters. This means that future quarterly movements will not be affected by survey changes and should be able to be used with confidence. We will continue to monitor the estimates for any indication of residual effects from the redevelopment.

Underutilisation

This quarter we introduced a new labour market measure – a measure of the underutilisation of labour in New Zealand. This measure is useful to indicate the potential labour supply. This measure includes: people who are unemployed by the official definition, people who are employed but want to work more hours (underemployed), and those who want a job but are not currently actively looking or available to start work. A total of 342,000 people were underutilised in the June 2016 quarter, which equates to an underutilisation rate of 12.7 percent.

​​

Unemployment down in North Island

The Auckland, Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay, and Taranaki regions had statistically significant decreases in the unadjusted unemployment rate over the year to June 2016. The Auckland region had a decrease of 1.2 percentage points, bringing the unemployment rate down to 4.7 percent, the lowest since September 2008.

​​

New Zealand’s OECD rankings

With the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 5.1 percent, New Zealand is 11th equal in the OECD rankings (no change from the March 2016 quarter). This ranks New Zealand below the United States and the United Kingdom (both with unemployment rates of 4.9 percent) but above Australia (5.8 percent).

​​

Not in employment, education, or training (NEET)

The seasonally adjusted NEET (not in employment, education, or training) rate decreased 1.7 percentage points, to 10.7 percent in the June 2016 quarter. This was the lowest NEET rate since September 2008.

Changes in the number of youth NEET in the latest quarter should be interpreted with caution, due to the redeveloped HLFS. The changes outlined above – better identification of self-employed people and including defence force personnel – are relevant for NEET because this could result in more youth being counted as employed. This is more likely to be the case for youth aged 20–24, not those aged 15–19 years old. Compared with the June 2015 quarter, the only statistically significant change was an increase in the number of males aged 20–24 years who were employed and not in education.

In addition to this, the new HLFS questions have been improved to better identify education and caregiving status. It is not possible to yet determine whether this has had a material effect on the NEET estimates.

The following sections were published on Wednesday 3 August.

​​

Wage growth remains subdued

All the following movements are for the year to the June 2016 quarter.

The labour cost index (LCI) (including overtime) increased by 1.5 percent. This measure of wage inflation reflects changes in the rates that employers pay to have the same job done to the same standard. Annual LCI increases have been 1.5 percent to 1.8 percent since the March 2013 quarter.

Private sector annual wage growth, as measured in the LCI, increased 1.6 percent. Public sector annual wage growth increased 1.3 percent. The latest annual growth in the public sector came from increases in central government (up 1.3 percent) and local government (up 1.7 percent).

The unadjusted LCI increased by 2.8 percent. This measure allows for quality changes within occupations as well as wage inflation.

Average ordinary-time hourly earnings, from the QES, increased 2.1 percent in the year ended June 2016 – to reach $29.62. This measures the average hourly wage bill across all jobs in surveyed industries.

PercentAnnual percentage change in salary and ordinary time wage ratesJune 2011 quarter to June 2016 quarterQESLCI analytical unadjustedLCIJ11S11D11M12J12S12D12M13J13S13D13M14J14S14D14M15J15S15D15M16J1601234Source: Stats NZ

In the year to the June 2016 quarter, prices of goods and services bought by households, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), increased 0.4 percent. The LCI (including overtime) increased 1.5 percent over the same period. The gap between CPI and LCI inflation (1.1 percentage points) is the smallest since December 2014 (1.0 percentage points).

PercentAnnual percentage change in CPI and LCIJune 2011 quarter to June 2016 quarterCPI with GST at 12.5 percentLCICPI with GST at 15 percentJ11S11D11M12J12S12D12M13J13S13D13M14J14S14D14M15J15S15D15M16J160246Source: Stats NZ

​​

Minimum wage change affects wages

The adult minimum wage increased from $14.75 an hour to $15.25 an hour (3.4 percent increase) on 1 April 2016. For the June 2016 quarter, 14 percent of all surveyed salary and ordinary time wage rates increased – 2 percent of rates increased due to the minimum wage increase. The impact of this change is most noticeable in the retail trade and accommodation industry group, and for jobs requiring little or no training and experience.

See Datainfo+ for more information on the impact of the minimum wage change.

​​

Growth in weekly earnings down on previous quarters

The ordinary time average weekly earnings per full-time equivalent employee (FTE), as measured in the QES, increased 2.0 percent over the year to June 2016 – to reach $1,119.02. This increase was due to the increase in wages, as opposed to the increase in hours, as the average weekly ordinary paid hours decreased by 0.1 percent. Ordinary time average weekly earnings per FTE had increased 3.2 percent over the previous year to June 2015.

Over the year to June 2016, ordinary time average weekly earnings per FTE in the private sector increased by 2.3 percent. The public sector had slower wage growth of 1.7 percent.

The construction industry, and the professional, scientific, and technical services industry, made the largest contributions to the increase in average total weekly earnings per FTE. Wholesale trade and retail trade were the next-largest contributors.

​​

Wage growth in the construction industry eases

In the year to the June 2016 quarter, salary and wage rate growth (including overtime) in the Canterbury construction industry continued to ease. The 1.0 percent growth was the lowest annual increase since the series began in 2010.

Compared with the June 2009 quarter, construction wages in Canterbury, influenced by the rebuild following the earthquakes, have increased more than in the rest of New Zealand. However, since the March 2015 quarter, annual wage growth has been stronger in the rest of New Zealand than in Canterbury.

For the rest of New Zealand, wage rate growth in the construction industry fell slightly for the year, to 2.1 percent.

The annual mean increases of the wage rates that rose for the June 2016 quarter were: ​

  • 3.3 percent for the Canterbury region

  • 4.0 percent for the rest of New Zealand.

In the June 2016 quarter, the annual mean increases in Canterbury construction wage rates were lower than the mean increases for the rest of New Zealand for the third quarter in a row.

March 2016 Quarter

Unemployment down slightly to 5.1%

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 5.1 percent in the June 2016 quarter (from a revised 5.2 percent in the March 2016 quarter). There were 1,000 fewer people unemployed over the June quarter, down to 131,000.

In seasonally adjusted terms, there were 2,000 fewer women unemployed in the June 2016 quarter. Their unemployment rate decreased 0.3 percentage points to 5.4 percent. The unemployment rate for men decreased 0.1 percentage point, down to 4.7 percent.

The rise in seasonally adjusted employment over the September quarter differed for men and women. The number of employed men was up 1.9 percent (up 25,000); for women the increase was 0.9 percent (up 10,000) over the quarter.

Employment growth was strongest for the 25 to 29-year (up 7,200) and 45 to 49-year (up 6,000) age groups.

Labour market at a glance

  • New Zealand’s labour force grows 1.5 percent, the largest quarterly growth since December 2004.

  • Employment growth exceeds population growth over the quarter.

  • The unemployment rate increased to 5.7 percent, from a revised rate of 5.4 percent last quarter.

  • Wage inflation remains subdued.

New Zealand’s labour force grows 1.5 percent

The labour force increased 1.5 percent in the March 2016 quarter, with 38,000 more people in the labour force. This was the largest quarterly growth since December 2004.

The labour force participation rate increased 0.5 percentage points in the March 2016 quarter, up to 69.0 percent. This was the first increase since labour force participation reached a record high of 69.5 percent in December 2014.

Quarterly change in labour force by ageDecember 2015 to March 2016Seasonally adjusted(000)15-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465 and overAge-4-20246810Source: Statistics New Zealand

​​

Employment growth exceeds population growth

The working-age population increased 0.8 percent (29,000 people) in the March 2016 quarter, bringing this population up to 3,685,000. This was the largest quarterly growth since the series began in 1986. The largest growth was seen in the younger age groups (20 to 34 years old).

Permanent and long-term migration figures showed a record net gain over the quarter. The net gain in migration figures was a result of more people arriving than departing. New Zealand citizens returning to live in New Zealand accounted for 20 percent of working-age migrant arrivals.

In the March 2016 quarter, the number of people employed increased by 1.2 percent (28,000 people). The growth in employment this quarter exceeded the growth in the working-age population, which resulted in an increase in the employment rate of 0.2 percentage points, up to 65.1 percent.

​​

Labour Market Statistics: December 2015 quarter

Labour market at a glance

  • Unemployment rate falls to 5.3 percent.

  • Labour force participation rate falls for third consecutive quarter.

  • Employment growth rises to 0.9 percent for the quarter.

  • Annual wage inflation lowest since March 2010.

Unemployment rate falls to 5.3 percent

The unemployment rate fell 0.7 percentage points, to 5.3 percent, in the December 2015 quarter. This is the lowest unemployment rate since March 2009 (when it was 5.2 percent). This fall reflected 16,000 fewer people being unemployed over the quarter.

Compared with the December 2014 quarter, there were 10,000 fewer unemployed people – the unemployment rate fell 0.5 percentage points (from 5.8 percent).

The trend series shows the unemployment rate decreased from 5.8 percent to 5.5 percent in the December 2015 quarter. The trend series removes both the seasonal and irregular component of the series and reveals the underlying direction of movement.

Unemployment rateQuarterlyHover to see exact values. Click legend to filter categoriesPercentSeasonally adjustedTrendD-05D-06D-07D-08D-09D-10D-11D-12D-13D-14D-15345678Source: Statistics New Zealand

The likelihood that an unemployed person would enter into employment, from one quarter to the next, increased in the December 2015 quarter compared with the same time in 2014.

​​

Falling participation contributes to lower unemployment

The labour force participation rate fell 0.3 percentage points over the latest quarter (to 68.4 percent), and 1.0 percentage point over the 2015 year – down from a record high in the March 2015 quarter. This is the third quarter in a row in which labour force participation has fallen.

The drop in labour force participation (coupled with a rise in employment) has contributed to the fall in unemployment over the December 2015 quarter.

The drop in labour force participation was a result of the labour force growing at a slower rate than the working-age population. This gives rise to an increasing number of people not participating in the labour force; 14,000 more in the December 2015 quarter, and 61,000 over the year. This annual increase was partly from there being more people who were retired (up 31,500), and more people at home but not looking after children (up 15,400).

​​

Unemployment rate improves for both men and women

The unemployment rate fall came from both fewer men (down 7,000) and women (down 9,000) being unemployed over the December 2015 quarter. This resulted in the unemployment rate for men falling 0.5 percentage points (to 5.0 percent) and that for women falling 0.8 percentage points (to 5.7 percent).

September 2015 Quarter

Number of employed people falls for the first time in three years

For the September 2015 quarter employment fell (down 0.4 percent), with 11,000 fewer people employed than in the previous quarter. This is the first quarter employment has fallen in three years (employment fell 0.5 percent in the September 2012 quarter).

In the September 2015 quarter the working-age population increased by 22,000 people (0.6 percent). This is the second consecutive quarter that employment growth has not kept up with growth in the working-age population.

Unemployment rate rises to 6.0 percent

The unemployment rate rose to 6.0 percent in the September 2015 quarter – up from 5.9 percent for the June 2015 quarter. There were 3,000 more unemployed people in the quarter, bringing the number of unemployed to 151,000 – the highest number since the June 2013 quarter.

Tasman/Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast had the only statistically significant change in regional unemployment rates, with an increase to 5.7 percent, (up 2.1 percentage points).

March 2015 Quarter

Employment growth still strong

In the March 2015 quarter, the number of people employed increased by 16,000 (0.7 percent); the working-age population was up 0.6 percent, resulting in the employment rate of 65.5 percent – unchanged from the previous quarter. Over the year, the number of people employed increased by 74,000 (3.2 percent).

The number of filled jobs reported by businesses (from the Quarterly Employment Survey (QES)) increased 3.3 percent in the year to the March 2015 quarter.

The unemployment rate remains flat at 5.8 percent

The unemployment rate remained at 5.8 percent in the March 2015 quarter – unchanged from a revised rate of 5.8 percent for the December 2014 quarter. While the unemployment rate was unchanged, there were 3,000 more unemployed people over the quarter.

Over the year to the March 2015 quarter, the unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage points (from 6.0 percent).

See revisions for more information on the revision to the seasonally adjusted estimates.

Unemployment rateQuarterly Hover to see exact values. Click legend to filter categories.PercentSeasonally adjustedTrendM-05M-06M-07M-08M-09M-10M-11M-12M-13M-14M-15345678Source: Statistics New Zealand

Labour force participation at an all-time high

In the March 2015 quarter, 19,000 more people entered the labour force. Consequently, the labour force participation rate rose 0.2 percentage points, to 69.6 percent. This is the highest participation rate since the series began in 1986. While the overall labour force has grown, the employment and unemployment rates were unchanged from the December 2014 quarter.

Over the year to the March 2015 quarter, 73,000 more people joined the labour force. The 20–34-year age groups contributed nearly half this annual growth. The rise in the labour force was consistent with high growth in the working-age population. The working-age population increased 2.1 percent over the year – the largest annual percentage increase since the year to the March 2004 quarter. High net migration for the 20–34-year age groups contributed to the growing working-age population.

See Migration for more detail information on migration.

The growth in the number of people in the labour force over the quarter came predominantly from a large increase in the number of men joining. In the March 2015 quarter, there were 17,000 more men in the labour force and 2,000 more women.​

September 2014 Quarter

Key facts

In the September 2014 quarter compared with the June 2014 quarter:

  • The number of people employed increased by 18,000.

  • The employment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points, to 65.2 percent. This came as employment growth outpaced population growth.

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage points to 5.4 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed decreased by 4,000.

  • The labour force participation rate increased by 0.1 percentage points, to 69.0 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted


September 2014 quarterQuarterly changeAnnual change
(000)(Percent)
Employed2,346+0.8+3.2
Unemployed   134 -2.8-9.6
Not in the labour force1,116 +0.1 +0.6
Working-age population3,595+0.4+1.8

(Percent)(Percentage points)
Employment rate 65.2+0.2 +0.8
Unemployment rate   5.4-0.2  -0.7
Labour force participation rate 69.0+0.1 +0.4

June 2014 Quarter

Overview

In the June 2014 quarter, the number of people employed

increased by 10,000, while the employment rate edged down 0.1 percentage points, in seasonally adjusted terms. The unemployment rate dropped to 5.6 percent as the number of people unemployed fell by 9,000. The labour force grew by 1,000 people while the working-age population increased by 20,000 people. The labour force participation rate decreased to 68.9 percent.

Employment growth strong over the year

In the year to June 2014, the number of people employed grew 3.7 percent to reach 2,328,000 people, in seasonally adjusted terms. This annual employment growth is equal to the last quarter, which was the highest increase since December 2004. The employment rate rose to 65.0 percent over the year – up from 63.7 percent a year ago.

The employment rate is affected by both employment growth and working-age

  • The number of people employed increased by 10,000 people.

  • The employment rate fell 0.1 percentage points, to 65.0 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed decreased by 9,000 people.

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.3 percentage points to 5.6 percent.

  • The labour force participation rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points, to 68.9 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.


June 2014 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Employed
2,328
+0.4
+3.7
Unemployed
137
-6.3
-10.9
Not in the labour force
1,114
+1.7
-0.9
Working age population
3,579
+0.6
+1.6

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Employment rate
65.0
-0.1
+1.3
Unemployment rate
5.6
-0.3
-0.8
Labour force participation rate
68.9
-0.3
+0.8

Full-time and part-time employment increasing

More people were in full-time and part-time employment in the June 2014 quarter than the same time last year. Full-time employment increased 4.0 percent over the year and 0.9 percent over the quarter. Annually, 2.6 percent more people were in part-time work, while part-time employment decreased by 0.4 percent over the quarter.

Before this decrease, part-time employment had increased for four consecutive quarters. Full-time employment has now risen for the seventh quarter in a row.

People who are underemployed are those who work part-time, would prefer to work more hours, and are available to do so. In unadjusted terms, the number of underemployed grew by 12 percent over the year. While the number of part-time workers increased over the year, the ratio of people underemployed to employed part-time also rose – from 17.1 percent in June 2013 to 18.7 percent this quarter.

Actual and usual hours worked are ticking up

The number of actual and usual hours people worked per week grew substantially over the year. The total number of actual hours increased by 4.8 percent, and the number of usual hours worked increased by 5.0 percent – the highest annual percentage increases since June 2004 and June 1995, respectively. As the annual growth in actual hours outpaced employment growth, average hours worked are up.

Both actual and usual hours were also up over the quarter, increasing 0.3 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.

Construction leads to employment growth

The following figures are not seasonally adjusted and are based on annual changes that were statistically significant unless otherwise stated.

The main contributors to the annual growth in employment were the construction industry (up 29,600 people – 17 percent) and the wholesale trade industry (up 16,800 people – 20 percent). A significant increase was also seen in the electricity, gas, water, and waste services industry.

Employment in the public administration and safety industry grew by 11,000 people (9.1 percent), although this movement was not statistically significant.

March 2014 Quarter

In the March 2014 quarter compared with the December 2013 quarter:

  • The number of people employed increased by 22,000 people.

  • The employment rate rose 0.4 percentage points, to 65.1 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed was unchanged.

  • The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.0 percent.

  • The labour force participation rate increased 0.4 percentage points, to 69.3 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.


March 2014 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Employed
2,318
+0.9
+3.7
Unemployed
147
0.0
-1.1
Not in the labour force
1,093
-0.9
-2.9
Working age population
3,559
+0.3
+1.4

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Employment rate
65.1
+0.4
+1.4
Unemployment rate
6.0
0.0
-0.2
Labour force participation rate
69.3
+0.4
+1.4

Overview

In the March 2014 quarter, the employment rate increased 0.4 percentage points in seasonally adjusted terms. The number of people employed increased by 22,000. The unemployment rate remained flat over the quarter at 6.0 percent. The labour force grew by 22,000 people, following the rise in employment and no change in unemployment. The labour force participation rate increased 0.4 percentage points over the quarter, to a record high of 69.3 percent.

Employment continues to rise

In the March 2014 quarter, the employment rate increased to 65.1 percent – up 0.4 percentage points, in seasonally adjusted terms. This follows a 0.3 percentage point increase in the December 2013 quarter and is up 1.4 percentage points from a year ago. This is the highest employment rate since the December 2008 quarter, before the employment rate began an extended decline during the 2008-09 economic downturn.

The number of people employed increased by 22,000 (0.9 percent) in seasonally adjusted terms. Over the year to March 2014, the number of people employed rose 84,000 (3.7 percent) to 2,318,000 people. This is the largest annual increase since December 2004 when the increase was 90,000.

The quarterly increase reflects a rise in both the number of men and women employed and it is the highest employment rate for both men (71.0 percent) and women (59.6 percent) since the December 2008 quarter where the employment rates for men and women were 72.4 percent and 60.1 percent, respectively.

December 2013 Quarter

Overview

​In the December 2013 quarter, the employment rate

increased 0.3 percentage points to 64.7 percent, in seasonally adjusted terms. The number of people employed increased by 24,000. The unemployment rate decreased over the quarter, down 0.2 percentage points to 6.0 percent. This decrease reflected 2,000 fewer people being unemployed. The fall in unemployment was from fewer men unemployed. The labour force grew by 22,000 people, with the rise in employment greater than the fall in unemployment. The labour force participation rate increased over the quarter, up 0.3 percentage points to 68.9 percent.

Employment increases for both men and women

In the December 2013 quarter, the employment rate increased to 64.7 percent – up 0.3 percentage points, in seasonally adjusted terms. This follows a 0.7 percentage point increase in the September 2013 quarter and is up 1.1 percentage points from a year ago. This is the highest employment rate since the March 2009 quarter, a period when the employment rate experienced a sharp decline during the 2008-09 economic downturn. Over the latest quarter, the male employment rate increased 0.5 percentage points to 70.7 percent. The female employment rate increased 0.3 percentage points to 59.1 percent, its highest rate since the December 2008 quarter. In the December 2013 quarter, the number of people employed increased by 24,000 (1.1 percent), in seasonally adjusted terms. This change reflected a rise in both the number of men and women employed. The latest rise follows a 28,000 (1.2 percent) increase in the September 2013 quarter. Over the year to December 2013, the number of people employed rose by 66,000 (3.0 percent) to 2,297,000 people. This is the largest annual percentage rise since the June 2006 quarter.

Employment growth was seen across a broad range of industries

The following figures are not seasonally adjusted and are based on annual changes that are statistically significant unless otherwise stated. The main contributor to the annual growth in employment was a rise in the professional, scientific, technical, administration, and support service industry group (up 26,400 people – 10.9 percent). This rise was from 22,400 more males employed in this industry group. There were also increases in the retail trade, and accommodation and food services industry group (up 20,700 people – 6.0 percent), the construction industry (up 14,800 people – 8.6 percent), the manufacturing industry (up 14,300 – 6.0 percent) and the health care and social assistance industry group (up 16,600 – 7.1 percent). However, these movements were not statistically significant. For more on industry outcomes for men and women, please see How men and women have fared in the labour market since the 2008 recession.

More people in full-time and part-time employment

Both full-time and part-time employment increased in the December 2013 quarter. Full-time employment rose for the fifth consecutive quarter – up 17,000 (1.0 percent), while part-time employment rose 9,000 (1.9 percent). Over the year, both full-time (up 58,000 – 3.4 percent) and part-time employment increased (up 14,000 – 2.8 percent). In unadjusted terms, industries with large rises in full-time employment over the year were the retail trade, accommodation and food services industry group; the construction industry; and the professional, scientific, technical, administration, and support service industry group. Of these changes, the rise in retail trade, accommodation and food services employment was the only statistically significant movement. In part-time employment, there was a large rise in the professional, scientific, technical, administration, and support service industry group.

Underemployment rises

The following figures are not seasonally adjusted and are based on annual changes that are statistically significant unless otherwise stated. Over the year, the total number of underemployed people increased by 27,200 to 122,600. As a result, the underemployment rate increased 1.0 percentage points to 5.3 percent. Although part-time employment rose, the proportion of part-time workers who are underemployed also increased. This indicates that even though there are more part-time workers employed, a greater proportion of those who were available to, want to work more hours.

Actual hours worked falls over the quarter but rises over the year

Over the latest quarter, the total number of hours people actually worked per week fell 0.3 percent and the number of usual hours worked rose 0.9 percent. The fall in actual hours worked follows a large 1.4 percent quarterly rise in the September 2013 quarter. Over the year, the seasonally adjusted number of actual hours worked per week rose by 1.3 percent and the number of usual hours rose by 3.9 percent.

Unemployment continues to fall

In seasonally adjusted terms, the unemployment rate fell to 6.0 percent in the December 2013 quarter, down 0.2 percentage points. The last time the unemployment rate was this low was in the June 2009 quarter, when it was also 6.0 percent. Over the year, the unemployment rate fell 0.8 percentage points from 6.8 percent. The unemployment rate trend series rose strongly after the economic downturn, but has remained relatively flat between the September 2009 and September 2012 quarters – it has since fallen for five consecutive quarters. The seasonally adjusted male unemployment rate fell 0.5 percentage points to 5.2 percent over the quarter. The female unemployment rate rose 0.2 percentage points to 6.9 percent. While the female unemployment rate edged up over the quarter, it is still down 0.5 percentage points from a year ago. The number of unemployed people fell by 2,000 to 147,000 in the December 2013 quarter. This fall was entirely from a drop in male unemployment – down 6,000. Over the year, the number of people unemployed decreased by 14,000 (8.9 percent).

September 2013 Quarter

Employment rises as the labour market continues to improve.

Key facts

In the September 2013 quarter compared with the June 2013 quarter:

  • The number of people employed increased by 27,000 people.

  • The employment rate rose 0.7 percentage points, to 64.4 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed decreased by 4,000 people.

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage points, to 6.2 percent.

  • The labour force participation rate increased 0.5 percentage points, to 68.6 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.

Employment increases for both men and women

In the September 2013 quarter, the employment rate increased to 64.4 percent – up 0.7 percentage points, in seasonally adjusted terms. After remaining at 63.7 percent for the last two quarters, the employment rate has increased by 0.9 percentage points from a year ago. This is the highest level since the June 2009 quarter, when the labour market showed the full effect of the recession.

Over the quarter, the male employment rate increased by 0.7 percentage points to 70.2 percent. The female employment rate increased 0.6 percentage points to 58.8 percent, the highest rate since the March 2009 quarter.

In the September 2013 quarter, the number of people employed increased by 27,000 (1.2 percent) in seasonally adjusted terms. This change reflected a rise in both the number of men and women employed.

In the September 2013 quarter, the number of people employed increased by 27,000 (1.2 percent) in seasonally adjusted terms. This change reflected a rise in both the number of men and women employed.


September 2013 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Employed
2,272
+1.2
+2.4
Unemployed
150
-2.6
-13.1
Not in the labour force
1,109
-1.5
+0.5
Working-age population
3,531
+0.2
+1.1

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Employment rate
64.4
+0.7
+0.9
Unemployment rate
6.2
-0.2
-1.0
Labour force participation rate
68.6
+0.5
+0.2

Overview

In the September 2013 quarter, the employment rate increased 0.7 percentage points in seasonally adjusted terms. The number of people employed increased by 27,000.

The unemployment rate decreased over the quarter, down 0.2 percentage points to 6.2 percent. This decrease reflected 4,000 fewer people being unemployed. The fall in unemployment was from fewer women unemployed.

The labour force grew by 23,000 people, with the rise in employment greater than the fall in unemployment. The labour force participation rate increased by 0.5 percentage points in the quarter, to 68.6 percent.

June 2013 Quarter

Key Facts

In the June 2013 quarter compared with the March 2013 quarter:

  • The employment rate fell to 63.6 percent – down 0.1 percentage points.

  • The number of people employed increased by 8,000.

  • The unemployment rate rose 0.2 percentage points, to 6.4 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed increased by 5,000.

  • The labour force participation rate increased by 0.1 percentage points, to 68.0 percent.

  • The number of people not in the labour force remained unchanged.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.


June 2013 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Employed
2,234
+0.4
+0.7
Unemployed
153
+3.7
-5.1
Not in the labour force
1,127
0.0
+2.2
Working age population
3,523
+0.4
+0.9

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Employment rate
63.6
-0.1
-0.2
Unemployment rate
6.4
+0.2
-0.4
Labour force participation rate
68.0
+0.1
-0.4

Overview

​In the June 2013 quarter, the number of people employed increased by 8,000 (0.4 percent) in seasonally adjusted terms. This is the second quarterly increase in a row, after a fall in 2012.

The unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 6.4 percent over the quarter. This reflected 5,000 more people unemployed. Over the year, the unemployment rate fell from 6.8 percent in the June 2012 quarter.

Over the quarter, the labour force participation rate rose from 67.9 percent to 68.0 percent, while the number of people not in the labour force

remained unchanged. Over the year, the number of people outside the labour force continued to rise, reflecting an increase in both the number of youth in the study and the number of people in retirement.

March 2013 Quarter

Labour force improves this quarter to 6.2% unemployment- Due to the improving labour market Automotive Employment NZ, this month, provides an extended overview from Statistics NZ.

Overview

In the March 2013 quarter, the employment rate increased 1.0 percentage points to 63.7 percent in seasonally adjusted terms. This follows three-quarters of consecutive declines and leaves the employment rate down 0.3 percentage points over the year. This is mirrored in the trend series, which also increased after weakness throughout 2012.

The number of people employed increased by 38,000 in the quarter, with more people employed in full-time work. The unemployment rate fell in the quarter, down 0.6 percentage points to 6.2 percent, from 6.8 percent (revised) the previous quarter. This decrease reflects 15,000 fewer people unemployed, with fewer men and women unemployed this quarter.

The labour force grew by 24,000 people, with the rise in employment greater than the fall in unemployment. The labour force participation rate increased by 0.6 percentage points in the quarter, to 67.8 percent.

The number of people not in the labour force decreased in the quarter – down 19,000 people. The fall came from a decrease in the number of women not in the labour force.

Key facts

In the March 2013 quarter compared with the December 2012 quarter:

  • The employment rate increased to 63.7 percent, up 1.0 percentage points.

  • The number of people employed increased by 38,000 (up 1.7 percent).

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.6 percentage points, to 6.2 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed decreased by 15,000 people (down 9.1 percent).

  • The labour force participation rate increased by 0.6 percentage points, to 67.8 percent.

  • The number of people not in the labour force decreased by 19,000.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.


March 2013 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Employed
2,234
+1.7
+0.3
Unemployed
146
-9.1
-9.1
Not in the labour force
1,128
-1.7
+3.5
Working age population
3,508
+0.1
+0.9

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Employment rate
63.7
+1.0
-0.3
Unemployment rate
6.2
-0.6
-0.5
Labour force participation rate
67.8
+0.6
-0.8

Key facts

In the March 2013 quarter compared with the December 2012 quarter:

  • The employment rate increased to 63.7 percent, up 1.0 percentage points.

  • The number of people employed increased by 38,000 (up 1.7 percent).

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.6 percentage points, to 6.2 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed decreased by 15,000 people (down 9.1 percent).

  • The labour force participation rate increased by 0.6 percentage points, to 67.8 percent.

  • The number of people not in the labour force decreased by 19,000.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.

December 2012 Quarter

Unemployment falls for the quarter

In the December 2012 quarter, the unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent, in seasonally adjusted terms. This is a 0.4 percentage-point fall from the previous quarter. However, over the year unemployment was up 0.5 percentage points.

The number of unemployed people fell 10,000 (down 6.0 percent) for the quarter, to 163,000. The number of unemployed men fell 11,000 (down 12.2 percent), to 79,000. The number of unemployed women remained steady, at 84,000.

The male unemployment rate fell for the latest quarter while the female unemployment rate rose. The unemployment rate for men decreased 0.8 percentage points, to 6.3 percent, back to the levels seen in the period from the December 2010 to the June 2012 quarters. The female unemployment rate continued to rise, up 0.2 percentage points to 7.6 percent. This is the fourth consecutive increase in the female unemployment rate.

Key facts

In the December 2012 quarter compared with the September 2012 quarter:

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.4 percentage points, to 6.9 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed decreased by 10,000 people (down 6.0 percent).

  • The employment rate fell 0.8 percentage points, to 62.6 percent.

  • The number of people employed decreased by 23,000 (down 1.0 percent).

  • The labour force participation rate fell 1.2 percentage points, to 67.2 percent.

  • The number of people in the labour force decreased by 33,000.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.


December 2012 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Unemployed
163
-6.0
+6.8
Employed
2,194
-1.0
-1.4
Not in the labour force
1,149
+3.8
+4.4
Working-age population
3,506
+0.3
+0.8

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Unemployment rate
6.9
-0.5
+0.5
Employment rate
62.6
-0.8
-1.4
Labour force participation rate
67.2
-1.2
-1.2

September 2012 Quarter

Key facts

In the September 2012 quarter compared with the June 2012 quarter:

  • The unemployment rate rose 0.5 percentage points, to 7.3 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed increased by 13,000 people.

  • The employment rate fell 0.4 percentage points, to 63.4 percent.

  • The number of people employed decreased by 8,000.

  • The labour force participation rate remained unchanged, at 68.4 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.

Unemployment increases for both men and women

Over the September 2012 quarter, the unemployment rate rose to 7.3 percent, in seasonally adjusted terms. This is a 0.5 percentage-point rise from the previous quarter. The last time the unemployment rate was higher was in the March 1999 quarter, when it was 7.5 percent.

The male unemployment rate increased more than the female unemployment rate. The unemployment rate for men increased by 0.8 percentage points to 7.2 percent. The male rate had been steady since the December 2010 quarter, sitting within a tight band of 6.2 percent to 6.5 percent. The female unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 7.4 percent.

The number of unemployed people increased 13,000 (up 7.9 percent), rising to a total of 175,000. Most of this increase came from the number of unemployed men, which rose 10,000 (up 12.2 percent) to 91,000. The number of unemployed women rose 3,000 (up 3.6 percent) to 84,000.


September 2012 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Unemployed
175
+7.9
+12.4
Employed
2,218
-0.4
0.0
Not in the labour force
1,103
+0.1
+0.7
Working-age population
3,497
+0.1
+0.8

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Unemployment rate
7.3
+0.5
+0.7
Employment rate
63.4
-0.4
-0.5
Labour force participation rate
68.4
0.0
0.0

June 2012 Quarter

The unemployment rate rose slightly, up to 6.8 percent in the June 2012 quarter from 6.7 percent in the March quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today.

“Employment growth slowed in the year to June 2012, with 2,000 fewer people in work in the June quarter,” industry and labour statistics manager Diane Ramsay said.

There were 5,000 fewer men in employment in the June 2012 quarter, while 3,000 more women were employed. The overall fall in employment, combined with a growing working-age population, resulted in a decrease in the employment rate of 0.3 percentage points, falling to 63.8 percent.

Unemployment rose slightly, up 2,000 for the quarter. The rise was split evenly between men and women.

While the labour force (employed and unemployed) remained flat, the number of people not in the labour force rose for the June quarter. Behind the rise was an increase in the number of men not in the labour force, while the number of women not in the labour force remained unchanged.

The Household Labour Force Survey results are based on a representative sample of 15,000 households throughout New Zealand. The survey is designed to produce reliable estimates of the numbers of people employed, unemployed, and not in the labour force.

Key facts

In the June 2012 quarter compared with the March 2012 quarter:

  • The employment rate fell 0.3 percentage points, to 63.8 percent.

  • The number of people employed decreased by 2,000 people.

  • The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage point, to 6.8 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed increased by 2,000.

  • The labour force participation rate fell from 68.7 percent to 68.4 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.


June 2012 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percent)
Unemployed
162
+1.1
+4.3
Employed
2,227
-0.1
+0.6
Not in the labour force
1,103
+1.4
+0.7
Working-age population
3,492
+0.4
+0.8

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Unemployment rate
6.8
+0.1
+0.3
Employment rate
63.8
-0.3
-0.1
Labour force participation rate
68.4
-0.3
0.0

March 2012 Quarter

Key facts

In the March 2012 quarter compared with the December 2011 quarter:

  • The employment rate rose 0.3 percentage points, to 64.2 percent.

  • The number of people employed increased by 9,000.

  • The unemployment rate rose 0.3 percentage points, to 6.7 percent.

  • The number of people unemployed increased by 9,000.

  • The labour force participation rate rose to its second-highest rate ever, 68.8 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.

Labour force expands as both employment and unemployment rise

The labour force increased by 18,000 people in the March 2012 quarter. This increase was reflected in an increase in both employment and unemployment.

The number of people employed rose by 9,000. This saw the employment rate rise 0.3 percentage points, to 64.2 percent. This rise highlights that the growth in employment was larger than the growth in the working-age population. Behind the employment growth was an increase in part-time employment, while full-time employment fell. Total part-time employment increased by 13,000 (2.5 percent) over the quarter, to reach a new peak.

The unemployment rate also increased by 0.3 percentage points to 6.7 percent in the March 2012 quarter, with the number of people unemployed increased by 9,000. This indicates that more people have entered the labour force who are looking for work and are available. Behind the increase in unemployment was an increase in female unemployment.

The increases in employment and unemployment resulted in a 0.6 percentage point rise in the labour force participation rate over the quarter, up to 68.8 percent. This reflects 18,000 more people in the labour force and a corresponding decrease of 19,000 in the number who are not in the labour force. This is the highest labour force participation rate since its peak (69.1 percent) in the December 2008 quarter.

In annual unadjusted terms, the Canterbury region had a noticeable decrease in the number of unemployed, down 3,800 to 18,800. The Auckland region had a significant increase in employment over the year ended in March 2012 (30,400 people).


March 2012 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(000)
(Percentage points)
Unemployed
160
+6.1
+3.1
Employed
2,230
+0.4
+0.9
Not in the labour force
1,086
-1.7
+0.1
Working-age population
3,477
0.0
+0.8

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Unemployment rate
6.7
+0.3
+0.1
Employment rate
64.2
+0.3
+0.1
Labour force participation rate
68.8
+0.6
+0.2

December 2011 Quarter

Key Facts

In the December 2011 quarter compared with the September 2011 quarter:

  • The unemployment rate fell 0.3 percentage points, to 6.3 percent.

  • 7,000 fewer people were unemployed.

  • 3,000 more people were employed.

  • The employment rate was flat, at 63.9 percent.

All figures are seasonally adjusted.

Seasonally adjusted
December 2011 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change

(Percent)
(Percentage points)
Unemployment rate
6.3
-0.3
-0.4
Employment rate
63.9
0.0
+0.4
Labour force participation rate
68.2
-0.2
+0.2

(000)
(Percent)
Unemployed
150
-4.2
-3.7
Employed
2,221
+0.1
+1.6
Not in the labour force
1,107
+1.0
+0.4

September 2011 Quarter

Key facts

In the September 2011 quarter compared with the June 2011 quarter:

  • The unemployment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 6.6 percent.

  • Unemployment rose by 3,000 people.

  • The number of people employed increased by 5,000.

  • The employment rate was flat at 63.9 percent.

  • Employment and unemployment increase

The labour force grew during the September 2011 quarter, through an increase in both the number of people employed and the number of people unemployed. As the number of people unemployed increased at a greater rate than the total labour force, the unemployment rate rose slightly, to 6.6 percent. While labour market outcomes generally improved for men over the quarter, women’s employment decreased and unemployment increased.

The number of people employed increased by 5,000 over the quarter. Full-time employment grew by 8,000, while part-time employment decreased by 3,000. Over the quarter, the number of men employed grew while the number of women employed fell. In annual terms, however, both male and female employment grew, with stronger employment growth for females.

The total number of people unemployed increased by 3,000 over the quarter, with an increase of 4,000 women unemployed and a slight decrease of 1,000 men unemployed. The male unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 6.3 percent and the female unemployment rate increased 0.3 percentage points to 7.0 percent.

In annual unadjusted terms, employment increased significantly in the Auckland region, while there was a significant decrease in employment in the Canterbury region.

All figures have been seasonally adjusted.

Seasonally adjusted
September 2011 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change
Unemployment rate
6.6%
+0.1%
+0.2%
Unemployed
157,000
+1.7%
+4.6%
Employed
2,218,000
+0.2%
+1.1%
Not in the labour force
1,095,000
-0.2%
+0.5%
Employment rate
63.9%
0.0
0.0
Labour force participation rate
68.4%
+0.1
+0.1

June 2011 Quarter

Highlights

In the June 2011 quarter:

Seasonally adjusted unemployment was unchanged at 154,000.**

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 6.5 percent.

Seasonally adjusted employment increased slightly by 1,000 to 2,214,000.

Unadjusted movements for key labour market outcomes in the Canterbury region moved in a different direction from the national estimates, when compared with the June 2010 quarter.

The labour market remained relatively steady over the June 2011 quarter. Employment increased by 1,000, while unemployment and the unemployment rate remained unchanged for the quarter. Although there was little change to the total levels of employment and unemployment over the quarter, there were different outcomes for males and females.

Although the quarterly change in employment was small, there was a large annual increase in employment (43,000). This was driven by increases in both full-time and part-time employment (up 26,000 and 17,000, respectively).

The unemployment rate remained at 6.5 percent for the June 2011 quarter. While there was no change in the total unemployment rate, the male and female unemployment rates moved closer together. The male unemployment rate increased to 6.4 percent from 6.2 percent, while the female unemployment rate fell to 6.6 percent from 6.9 percent.

There was a large rise in actual hours worked for the June 2011 quarter, up 1.6 percent. Usual hours worked increased by 0.6 percent.

In annual unadjusted terms, key labour market outcomes for the June 2011 year were different in the Canterbury region compared with movements in the national estimates. Employment fell in Canterbury but rose nationally. Unemployment increased in Canterbury but decreased nationally.

Seasonally adjusted
June 2011 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change
Unemployment rate
6.5%
0.0
-0.4
Unemployed
154,000
-0.1**
-3.7%
Employed
2,214,000
0.0%
+2.0%
Not in the labour force
1,096,000
+1.4%
+0.3%
Labour force participation rate
68.4%
-0.2
+0.3

**Due to rounding there is no level change but there is a quarterly percentage change.

March 2011 Quarter

Labour market overview – seasonally adjusted

During the March 2011 quarter, the unemployment rate fell to 6.6 percent. This fall was the result of employment rising (by 30,000 people) and unemployment falling (by 2,000 people).

Male unemployment fell during this quarter, with the male unemployment rate down to 6.2 percent. The female unemployment rate was unchanged at 7.0 percent during the March 2011 quarter.

During the March 2011 quarter, both part-time employment and full-time employment rose (up 4.0 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively). Usual hours worked per week rose this quarter by 1.2 percent while actual hours worked fell by 0.9 percent.

The labour force participation rate increased to 68.7 percent in the March 2011 quarter. Male participation rose by 0.6 percentage points while female participation rose by 0.8 percentage points.

The earthquake that struck the Canterbury region on 22 February 2011 caused some disruption to interviewing. Statistics New Zealand suspended interviewing in Christchurch city and in the Selwyn and Waimakariri districts. This meant about 800 of the 2,200 Canterbury households in the survey sample were not interviewed.

The usual estimation method was altered for this quarter to account for the loss of households in Canterbury. The altered estimation method will be reviewed next quarter.

National estimates excluding Canterbury have also been produced. This data shows that the number of employed people rose by 34,000 while the number of unemployed fell by 1,000 during the March 2011 quarter.

For the March 2011 quarter:

Employment increased by 30,000 to 2,214,000.

Unemployment decreased by 2,000 to 155,000.

The unemployment rate decreased to 6.6 percent.

Seasonally adjusted
March 2011 quarter
Quarterly changeAnnual change
Unemployment rate
6.6%
-0.1
+0.5
Unemployed
155,000
-1.4%
+9.4%
Employed
2,214,000
+1.4%
+1.8%
Not in the labour force
1,081,000
-2.2%
-0.7%
Labour force participation rate
68.7%
+0.8
+0.7