Latest employment figures have revealed further year-on-year improvements in the number of New Zealanders moving off benefit and into work, Minister of Social Development and Employment, Louise Upston, has announced.
In the year ending June 2026, there were 86,544 exits from a main benefit into work – an increase of 5,772 from the year ending June 2025.
The Minister said the new numbers are encouraging.
“Today’s figures are similar to previous statistics released in March this year, which showed 5580 more people leaving a main benefit for work during the year ending March 2026 compared to the same period the year before,” said Ms Upston.
Year-on-year quarterly results are also showing a similar trend, with 21,261 exits from a main benefit into work – 1,665 more than the June 2025 quarter.
The figures reflect the typical seasonal patterns for this time of year, with a 1% increase in the number of people receiving a working age main benefit and fewer exits compared to the last quarter, the Minister said.
“We generally see a small bounce back from the March quarter, which normally has higher exits into work with the beginning of the school year and work picking up post holidays, so year-on-year comparisons are often a more reliable indicator of job market trends.”
“Economic conditions are challenging, but today’s figures are promising for the job market and job seekers,” she said.
