Unemployment climbs above 5%

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February 5, 2025

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

Data released today by Statistics NZ shows that unemployment rose to 5.1%, with 33,000 more people out of work than last year said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “The latest data shows that employment fell in Aotearoa at its fastest rate since the GFC. Unemployment rose in 8 out 12 regions. 2.5m fewer hours were worked last year. There is a real and growing problem in the labour market.”

This data should be a wakeup call to the Government about the economy. Renney said “Unemployment is a lagging indicator and is forecast to continue to keep increasing. Nothing in this data suggests that these forecasts are going to change. The number of people who want more work and can’t get it is at its highest rate since COVID.

“Ahead of Waitangi Day, we should note that unemployment for Māori is nearly twice the rate of the general population at 9.2%. 5,700 more Māori are out of work than last year. Pacific Peoples unemployment is 9.6%, and unemployment for young people (15-24 year olds) is up 13,800 annually. The NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rate was last this high, on a comparable basis, in 2012 according to Stats NZ.” Renney said.

“Wage increases are slowing, with nearly half (46%) of working people getting a pay rise less than CPI. With the minimum wage rising by only 1.5% in April, this is another trend likely to continue. With part-time work growing, but full-time work declining, maintaining incomes in households is going to be increasingly difficult.

“Right now, there is no plan for the economy. No plan for the labour market. The economy is in sharp recession. Unemployment is rising. It’s time for a plan for New Zealand. We are losing record numbers of people overseas, and without that these numbers would likely have been much worse,” said Renney.

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Unemployment rate at 5.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Labour market statistics: December 2024 quarter

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Unemployment rate at 5.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter – 5 February 2025 – Unemployment continued to grow, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaching 5.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

In the December 2024 quarter:

the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent
the employment rate was 67.4 percent
annual wage inflation was 3.3 percent
average ordinary time hourly earnings were $42.57.

Files:

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It’s business time for Golden Bay’s Birds Hill bump

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Golden Bay residents can expect to see contractors on site on State Highway 60 at Birds Hill next week with resilience work to start on the Birds Hill landslide.

The slip reactivated in 2017 and has continued to gradually move, creating a large hump in what was the left-hand lane of the highway. While the highway is open to two lanes at the slip site, it has been under a long-term 50 km/h temporary speed limit.

SH60 Birds Hill slip site.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says work will begin next week (10 February) to repair the site and improve its stability.

“Any future landslide movement poses a real risk to State Highway 60 in an area where there are no alternative detour routes. Maintaining and preserving access to Collingwood and western areas of Golden Bay is critical.”

“To reduce the risk, contractors will carry out substantial drainage work at the slip site above the highway. This includes building horizontally drilled drains into the slip, constructing cut off drains above the hump, and redesigning and resurfacing the road to allow the current 50 km/h speed limit to be removed,” Mr Service says.

However, he warns the work will not remove the current hump at the slip site.

“The hump is at the toe of the slip and geotechnical assessments show it provides stabilisation, reducing ground movement. To remove it would likely increase slope instability and increase the risk of more movement, particularly after wet weather.”

“In this case it is better to work with nature and leave it in place. Site studies have shown the slip’s stability is sensitive to groundwater. So, improving the drainage and removing water from the slope is the best and most cost-effective option,” Mr Service says.

He says the work will affect traffic travelling between Tākaka and Collingwood.

“For a project of this scale, it is unavoidable. The project site will be under stop/go during the day. Drivers will still be able to get through but can expect short delays. Outside of work hours, the highway will be open to two lanes.”

“Weather permitting, we expect the project to be finished by late April. So, please bear with us while our contractors work hard to get this job finished,” Mr Service says.

Works schedule

Monday, 10 February to Thursday, 24 April (Weather dependent). Monday to Saturday, 7 am – 7 pm
Stop go traffic management and 30/km/h temporary speed limit
Road open to two lanes and 50 km/h temporary speed limit outside work hours
No work will be done during the Easter Holidays

More Information

This project is funded out of the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. More information can be found on our website:

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Stretch of SH3, Woodville to close during Te Ahu a Turanga roundabout work

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

As the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū-Tararua Highway project nears completion, sections of State Highway 3 through Woodville will be closed for up to 5 weeks to allow for the completion of the new roundabout.

SH3 at the Vogel Street / Woodlands Road bend will be closed 24/7 for 5 weeks from Monday 24 February.

The work is expected to be completed by Sunday 30 March and the road reopened.

Access to Woodville township and its businesses will remain open during the closure period. Residents in the construction area will continue to have access to and from their properties.

Two detours will be in place – through Pinfold and Oxford Roads for light vehicles and through Pahiatua Track via Tay and Station streets in Woodville for heavy vehicles.

The detours are expected to add less than 5 minutes to the journey times for light vehicles and up to 20 minutes for heavy vehicles.

During the closure period, construction teams will connect the new roundabout to the existing roads, working onsite between the hours of 5am and 8pm.

In addition to the roundabout work, we are planning to undertake some maintenance and resurfacing works on SH3 Napier Road near Ashhurst and SH3 Vogel St in Woodville. This will be undertaken during the same period to minimise overall disruption.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges this closure will cause frustration for some road users.

“Once this work is finished, there’ll be a safe, reliable connection between Woodville and the new highway. It will also mark a major milestone as the whole project draws closer to completion,” says Project spokesperson Grant Kauri.

“Thanks to all road users for their patience while these essential works are completed.”

For more information about the Te Ahu a Turanga project, please head to :

Te Ahu a Turanga project page

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Name release: Fatal crash, Flaxmere

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police are now in a position to release the name of the person who died following a crash on Chatham Road, Flaxmere on Thursday 30 January.

She was 11-year-old Emma Jane Kupa of Flaxmere.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

A 34-year-old female is set to reappear in the Hastings District Court on 18 February, facing a charge of operating a vehicle carelessly and breath alcohol level over 400.

Police are not ruling out further charges in relation to the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Palestine Forum of New Zealand Condemns Trump’s Remarks and Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Palestinian Rights

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February 5, 2025

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Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Such rhetoric is not only inflammatory but also deeply harmful, as it undermines the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand firmly believes that the Palestinian people have the right to live in dignity, safety, and peace within their homeland. Forced displacement is a violation of international law and human rights principles, and it must be unequivocally rejected by the global community. The suggestion that Palestinians have “no alternative” but to leave Gaza is both false and dangerous, as it ignores the root causes of the ongoing crisis and the need for a just and lasting resolution.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and reaffirms its commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human rights. We urge the international community to take immediate and meaningful action to prevent further suffering and to work toward a future where all people can live in peace and dignity.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Health – ProCare Foundation announces recipients of more than $200,000 of funding

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February 5, 2025

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Source: ProCare Foundation

Six Auckland organisations tackling health inequity and poverty have received a major boost, with the ProCare Charitable Foundation announcing $210,000 in grants to support initiatives that promote community health and wellbeing.

This year’s recipients are:

Auckland Women’s Centre Inc
BabyStart Charitable Trust
Dance & Arts Therapy NZ
Garden to Table Trust
Orange Sky NZ Ltd
Warriors Community Foundation.

ProCare Foundation Chair, Peter Didsbury, says: “Every dollar granted reflects our commitment to addressing health inequities and empowering organisations working on the frontlines of our communities. This funding is an investment in healthier futures for all Aucklanders.”

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity and dedication these organisations bring to tackling some of our toughest social and health challenges. Their mahi aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission – to support the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities by delivering health-related activities that improve a community’s wellbeing, or reduce health inequalities and alleviate poverty and deprivation in the Auckland region,” concludes Didsbury.

The Foundation was established by the shareholders of ProCare Health Limited in 2013 with Trustee and Administration services being provided by Public Trust.

Glenys Talivai, CEO of Public Trust, says: “Empowering local organisations with targeted funding creates ripple effects and positive outcomes for the larger community. Our work with the ProCare Charitable Foundation is a powerful way to uplift organisations that provide care and protection for society’s most vulnerable. We are proud to be the trustee and manage the granting programme and congratulate the six organisations receiving funding.”

Since the establishment of the ProCare Charitable Foundation, it has granted more than $2 million in funding to increase community health and wellbeing in the Greater Auckland Region.

Recipients of the ProCare Charitable Foundation funding, as selected at the end of 2024 are:

Organisation: Auckland Women’s Centre Inc

Project: Supporting no/low-cost counselling: supervision, triage, referrals, and client-counsellor matching.

The centre facilitates empowerment and wellbeing for all women in Tāmaki Makaurau via education, counselling, brief crisis support, peer support, advice and referral, community kōrero, advocacy, and safe space. In 2025, they will offer five student counsellors, up from 3.5 in 2024 and two in 2023. Their counsellors are of different ethnicities, ages and interests who meet the needs of diverse women.

Organisation: BabyStart Charitable Trust

Project: Supporting infant and maternal care packages for Auckland families.

BabyStart’s purpose is to alleviate poverty, encourage positive parenting and safe sleep practices, and encourage engagement with maternal health services through the provision of high-quality infant care packages. This funding will go towards baby boxes with baby clothing and care items for high needs whānau based on need and availability.

Organisation: Dance & Arts Therapy NZ

Project: Dance movement and arts therapy for 80+ vulnerable children

Their mission is to provide unwavering support to the mental health and disability sectors through dance movement and arts therapy. They serve individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, mental health challenges, low-income children and survivors of abuse. The funding will cover facilitation, materials, coordination, venue hire, and administration, delivering 108 sessions for at-risk children and 128 sessions for children with disabilities.

Organisation: Garden to Table Trust

Project: Supporting salary for programme coordinators – Auckland.

The Garden to Table programme is currently running in 85 schools and ECEs in Greater Auckland (excluding South Auckland). The programme is typically run as a regular session in school where tamariki learn the skills they need to grow fresh produce, harvest it, prepare and cook it. Children do everything for themselves and are encouraged to take their learning home to share with family and whānau.

Organisation: Orange Sky NZ Ltd

Project: Laundry & shower service for those experiencing homelessness and hardship.

In Auckland, they operate two vans, an internal laundry at HomeGround (Auckland City Mission), and a pod in South Auckland. Through these services, they aim to raise dignity and mana for individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship, supporting their health and wellbeing. By offering clean clothes and access to showers, they foster a sense of self-worth and community connection, addressing both immediate needs and the long-term goal of improving lives in the wider Auckland region.

Organisation: Warriors Community Foundation

Project: Supporting health-focused programmes promoting physical, mental well-being, and inclusivity.

The Tupu Maia programme is dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of intermediate-aged girls by advancing education on physical and mental wellness. The programme focuses on building confidence, self-esteem, and physical activity through structured lessons on nutrition, hydration, sleep, and mental resilience. By fostering a supportive environment, Tupu Maia encourages participants to develop lifelong habits that improve both their physical and mental health.

About the ProCare Foundation

The ProCare Foundation was established by the shareholders of ProCare who gifted more than 90% of their shares to the Foundation in 2013. The purpose of the Foundation is to help promote the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities, deliver health-related activities that improve a community’s wellbeing, or reduce health inequalities and alleviate poverty and deprivation in the Auckland region. For more information about the Foundation and previous grant recipients, click here or visit www.procare.co.nz

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Public Health Surveillance Strategy 2025–2030

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February 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

The Public Health Surveillance Strategy 2025-2030 is designed to strengthen our public health surveillance system to better support increased life expectancy with quality of life for New Zealanders.

The strategy was a collaboration between the Public Health Agency with the wider Ministry, Health New Zealand, and ESR. Extensive consultation with the wider surveillance sector informed its development.

Public health surveillance is the collection and dissemination of health or health-related information to plan and implement initiatives to help keep people healthy, and protect them from new health threats, such as disease outbreaks.

Sources of information for public health surveillance can be drawn from across the health system, government, and wider society. They include laboratory test results, mortality data, wastewater testing, global health data, mosquito surveillance, health surveys, clinician reporting, and even retail spending.

The health system has an obligation to protect and improve the health of New Zealanders. This cannot be achieved without the well-coordinated and systematic collection of public health information. The strategy outlines an approach to public health surveillance based on ensuring the confidentiality, privacy and protection of people’s personal health data. It supports using information only to support protecting and improving the health of New Zealanders.

The strategy identifies four strategic directions. These include:

strengthening governance, leadership, and coordination
focussing on the things that matter
responding to emerging challenges and opportunities
continuously improving.

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Events – Mark your calendars for the best night of the year when Australia’s most famous girls night out hits Auckland on March 1st

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February 5, 2025

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Source: AO Communications

Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB will turn up the volume again in 2025 with its Australian and New Zealand tour, with general release tickets on sale now.

In 2025, 20,000 women* will have the chance to dance at the sell-out phenomenon that is Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB. And for the first time an international trip across the ditch to Auckland, NZ.

Founded two years ago by best friends and podcasters, Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills, DISCO CLUB continues to grow and establish itself as the ultimate night out for women, delivering an electric night of dancing and singing with friends.

“DISCO CLUB is designed by women for women: everything we miss about clubbing and nothing we don’t,” said Lise.

“While it all started with a simple conversation between us about how much we missed nights out dancing with our girlfriends, we have seen first hand – over and again – the incredible collective joy shared on a judgement-free night of much-needed fun,” said Sarah.

“There’s an undeniable energy – the power of song and movement, of freedom, that comes with feeling safe, comfortable and welcome – the scene is set to feel the emotion and revel in nostalgia.”

“But it’s not just about the music – it’s about connection – connection between both friends and strangers and across generations, and that’s why it’s booming,” said Lise. “Women continually tell us it’s dancefloor therapy.”

Another essential element is the early start and finish time, with arrivals from 6pm for a 7pm start and 10pm finish. “We simply wanted a great night out and a chance to press pause on real life, but we also wanted to be in our PJs by 11pm, and it turns out we’re not alone!” said Sarah.

Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB Tour is Australia’s largest event series for women borne from a podcast (The Lise and Sarah Show).

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Op-Ed – Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face – OPED Conor English

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February 5, 2025

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Opinion – by Conor English

5 February 2025 – Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face – Boxer Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”. He was simply pointing out in his own unique direct way, that sometimes things don’t go the way you think. There can be unintended consequences. Your opponent can counter punch, so a “plan b” can be useful!

The new USA government has a plan to use tariffs as a way of incentivising other countries to do things that are helpful to the USA. Things like curtail immigrants or drugs travelling over the border, or to shift their manufacturing jobs to America. The President has described the word “tariffs” as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary” so its clear he likes the idea of using tariffs. It does have some logic. Maybe this plan will work?

So, using emergency powers that enable quick action, rather than long winded trade negotiation processes, this plan is being implemented this week. First up, 10% tariff on goods from China, and energy products from Canada. Tariffs will be set at 25% for most other goods from Canada and Mexico. If these countries change their drug, migration and manufacturing policies, the USA will look to review the tariff levels. That’s the new deal.

New Zealand had its own tariffs for many years as was fashionable. But now we seek fair trade, with no tariffs or quotas, or other non-tariff trade barriers in our trading relationships. It matters to us as a small trading country at the bottom of the world. Multilateral co-operation and enforcement frameworks such as the World Trade Organisation are vital.

America, like many countries, has a long history of using tariffs. An excellent example of how things can end up like a punch in the face, as Mike Tyson would put it, is the passing of what was known as the “Smoot Hawley” Tariff Act on June 17, 1930. This raised tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods, despite a petition signed by 1,028 economists asking President Hoover to veto the legislation. He didn’t. The theory was it would save jobs in America and protect local producers from international competition following the “Black Thursday” share market crash on October 24, 1929.

But it didn’t make things better, it made things worse.

Americas trading partners punched back. They didn’t do nothing. They retaliated, just as Canada and Mexico now have. The world economy and geopolitics has evolved significantly since the great depression and what happened then may not happen now. However, history can perhaps provide some small insight as to how this might play out.

Wikipedia tells us that after the Smoot- Hawley passed – yes – USA imports did decrease by 66% from $4.4 billion in 1929, to $1.5 billion in 1933. So that must be good for domestic jobs and industries? Well no, because other countries punched back with their own tariffs, as well as sourcing their own imports from other countries rather than America.

As a result, USA exports also decreased 61% from $5.4 billion to $2.1 billion. GNP fell from $103.1 billion in 1929 to $75.8 billion in 1931, bottoming out at $55.6 billion in 1933, a drop of around 50% over four years.

So rather than create jobs, jobs were lost, and plenty of them. Unemployment was at 8% in 1930 when the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act was passed, but the new law failed to lower it. The unemployment rate jumped to 16% in 1931, and 25% in 1932–33. The factories that produced those export goods couldn’t sell their products, so staff lost their jobs.

Unemployment didn’t fall below early 1930s levels until the massive economic stimulus of World War 2.

As with any economy, there is always more than just one thing happening, but at that time, that is what happened in the USA. So how does this current fast changing situation effect New Zealand?

Unlike 100 years ago, we get impacted very quickly by the transmission of changes in our exchange rate, interest rates, commodity prices, share markets and trade flows. This then flows through our economy.

For example, if inflation goes up in America because of the new tariffs, international interest rates may go up, thus reducing the speed of any reductions on our mortgage rates. Dairy commodity prices might rise, but so too might international oil prices, pushing up our fuel prices and inflation. Our dollar may fall, making it cheaper for tourists to visit, but the cost of servicing our increasing national debt more expensive. Chinese built EVs may be more available and cheaper here as cars are diverted from the USA market.

There will be all sorts of positive and negative impacts, unintended consequences and unforeseen outcomes. It could be overall positive or overall negative for both America and New Zealand, but we just don’t know. We do know though that it creates more uncertainty, and that’s not helpful to anyone.

So will it be a punch in the face, as Mike Tyson suggests, or a pat on the back? Either way, we need to be fleet of foot and have a “Plan B”.

Conor English is a Director of Silvereye – a Wellington based Government relations firm, a former exporter, CEO of Federated Farmers, and Independent Advisor to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

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