Unemployment is at its highest in more than a decade, but an economist says that could actually be an early sign of economic strength. Photo: RNZThere was a feeling of "cautious optimism" at a business breakfast in Auckland this week, after warning signs began flashing in the jobs market. He says the recent spike to 5.4 percent in unemployment is a complicated number. Yes, it's higher than expected, but he says there's also been a bump in the number of people wanting jobs. And in a tough market, anything and everything helps.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 19, 2026 04:57 UTC