NEW ZEALAND— The unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest level in nearly a year.

Man trying to find work with online job search engine on tablet. Photo: 123RF

 

Official data shows the jobless rate in the June quarter was 4 percent, down from 4.7 percent in the previous quarter.

The rate was better than the 4.5 percent forecast by analysts, and is below the level before the pandemic.

The fall was driven by strong job creation and more people finding work.

The under-utilisation rate, which measures slack in the job market, fell to 10.5 percent.

Annual wage growth hit 2.2 percent.