A dip in unemployment to 5.3% supports the view that New Zealand’s OCR should stay on hold, economists say, despite broader uncertainty.
2 mins to read Unemployment fall reinforces need to hold OCR, say economists The latest jobless rate has fallen to 5.3%, which is better than economists had expected.. The RBNZ is expected to hold the OCR later this month.. Jonathan Mitchell Wed, 06 May 2026 © All content copyright NBR.. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.. A slight fall in unemployment has been overshadowed by lingering
uncertainty about the Iran conflict and should keep the official cash rate on hold in the short term, economists say.. Statistics NZ data out this morning showed the jobless rate fell from 5.4% to 5.3% in the March quarter, which is Want to read more?. It’s easy.. Choose your subscription Already have an account?. Login Smartphone Only Subscription NZ$29.95 / monthly Monthly Premium Online Subscription NZ$49.95 / monthly Smartphone Only Annual Subscription NZ$299.00 / yearly
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subscription.. New Zealand Unemployment Alexandra Turcu Michael Gordon Miles Workman Goldman Sachs Free News Alerts Sign up to get the latest stories and insights delivered to your inbox – free, every day.. Related News Dollars & Sense Sooner or later: Economists debate first RBNZ rate hike timing RBNZ move to reveal MPC member votes from May welcomed Volatile diesel prices put confidence on backburner Annual inflation remains above target as business blues bite Inflation could
near 5% due to price ripples from Iran war