NZ unemployment at 5.2% – What it means for your career in the New Zealand job market 2025
- Sonja Passmore
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Not long ago, a client told me, “It feels like the market’s moving in slow motion…” This is a familiar feeling in the New Zealand job market 2025, where shifts are happening — but not evenly across all sectors.
Unemployment now sits at 5.2%, with around 158,000 Kiwis actively job hunting. While that’s a concern, it’s not the full story, some industries are still hiring strongly, while others are slowing down.
Opportunities are still out there, but they’re moving more slowly and competition is heating up.
The number of Kiwis working or job hunting has also dropped to its lowest level in four years. Some have stepped back to study, care for whānau, or take time out. Others may have stopped looking because the process feels too hard right now. For those in work, wages have slowed sharply - up just 2.4% over the past year, down from 4.3% the year before. Rising costs mean that even with a pay bump, many households still feel like they’re running to stand still.
The pull across the Tasman
Last year alone, we saw a net migration loss of about 30,000 to Australia. This was the biggest outflow since 2012. While higher salaries are a strong drawcard, the reasons run deeper. Many are seeking faster-moving markets, industries with more growth and a chance to reset their careers in an environment that feels more open to opportunity.
“The right environment can accelerate your career in ways skill alone can’t. Where you work shapes how far your skills can take you.”
This isn’t about abandoning New Zealand, it’s about recognising that career momentum isn’t just built by what you know or what you do, but by the ecosystem you place yourself in. Sometimes that means looking beyond your immediate surroundings to see where your strengths could thrive.
Making sense of it all
If you’re in a job right now, this is a moment to pause and weigh your options carefully. Change for change’s sake can backfire in a patchy market but that doesn’t mean staying put without a plan.
If you’re actively looking, widen your search. Some sectors are still hiring steadily - healthcare, agriculture and parts of tourism among them while others are slowing down or being extremely selective.
If you’re chasing a pay rise, this is the time to build a watertight case. Track your results, gather testimonials and highlight specific wins that matter to your employer.
Looking ahead
The Reserve Bank is expected to cut interest rates again this quarter, with economists pencilling the OCR at around 3.0% by Q3. While this could boost investment and hiring in the New Zealand job market 2025, the impact won’t be immediate - shifts will take time to filter through, and some sectors may respond faster than others.
“The right move isn’t always about moving faster, sometimes it’s about holding your ground until the moment is right.”
The months ahead may feel unsettled - not flat, but uneven. Some industries could pick up sooner than others and opportunities may appear in unexpected places. The key is to stay alert, keep your networks warm and be clear on what you’re looking for so you can move with confidence when the right role or project comes along.
If you’ve read this and thought, “That’s exactly where I’m at”, now could be the right time to step back, talk through your options and map out your next steps - not just for the job you want, but for the market we’re in. You can book a free 15-minute Insight Call — a quick, focused conversation to help you get clear on your next move and start shaping a career strategy that works in today’s climate.
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