Unemployment “the worst unemployment numbers since the outbreak of the pandemic” – thats according to the Greens. Stats NZ numbers showed the unemployment rate rising to 5.2 percent in the three months ended June, from 5.1 percent in the previous quarter. Its estimated that Maori unemployment is between 6-10% while Rangatahi is between 15-20%.
“The Government should take ownership for its decision to cut thousands of jobs, and then punish the unemployed,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Employment and Social Development, Ricardo Menéndez March.
“Instead of sanctioning people for being unemployed when there is no work, we can build a workforce with good jobs that support the common good.
“We need to take a more hands-on approach when it comes to our economy and the organisation of our workforce. We can give people meaningful jobs that help us confront some of our biggest challenges by taking more control.”
Labour has also weighed in:
“Christopher Luxon promised that his business experience would make life better for New Zealanders – instead he’s making it worse,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.
“The Government’s decision to cancel or delay building projects has contributed to a loss of 18,000 construction jobs since December 2023.
“While thousands of people are out of work and struggling to pay the bills, Luxon is looking after property speculators and fossil fuel companies. He has abandoned middle New Zealand.”
“Kiwis are voting with their feet and leaving in record numbers. That is a clear vote of no confidence in National.
“Christopher Luxon is constantly blaming others for an economic situation that he has made worse.
“He is out of touch and failing to improve the lives of everyday New Zealanders who want to go to work each day and be paid enough to provide for their families.
“Labour will work with businesses to grow industries, create high-quality jobs, and make sure there are opportunities in every part of the country.
“Labour will focus on jobs, health, homes and real action on the cost of living, so we can build a future where young people want to stay, put down roots and contribute to New Zealand,” Barbara Edmonds said.”
