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Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: June 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: June 2026 quarter – information release

1 July 2026

The household labour force survey estimated working-age population table shows the population benchmarks used to produce household labour force survey estimates for the upcoming labour market statistics release.

Visit our website to read the full information release:

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Employment indicators: May 2026 – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Employment indicators: May 2026 – information release

29 June 2026

Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.

Key facts
Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the May 2026 month (compared with the April 2026 month) were:

  • all industries – up 0.3 percent (7,678 jobs) to 2.35 million filled jobs
  • primary industries – flat (down 25 jobs)
  • goods-producing industries – up 0.1 percent (602 jobs)
  • service industries – up 0.4 percent (6,980 jobs).

Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

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Annual number of home consents up 19 percent – Building consents issued: May 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Annual number of home consents up 19 percent – news story

 

2 July 2026

There were 39,737 new homes consented in New Zealand in the year ended May 2026, up 19 percent compared with the year ended May 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“The annual increase in new home consents followed declines in May for the last three years, and consent numbers remain below the record peak reached in 2022,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

There were 18,271 stand-alone houses consented in the year ended May 2026, up 17 percent compared with the previous year.

There were 21,466 multi-unit homes consented, up 20 percent over the same period.

Of the multi-unit homes consented in the year ended May 2026, compared with the year ended May 2025, there were:

  • 17,230 townhouses, flats, and units (up 22 percent)
  • 2,554 apartments (up 20 percent)
  • 1,682 retirement village units (up 3.4 percent).

Visit our website to read the full news story and information release and to download CSV files:

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Dwelling and household estimates: June 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Dwelling and household estimates: June 2026 quarter – information release

7 July 2026

National dwelling and household estimates are used for many purposes including planning, policy formation, business decisions, and as ‘bottom lines’ in the calculation of market coverage rates.

Key facts
At 30 June 2026, the estimated number of:

  • private dwellings is 2,124,800
  • households is 2,072,000.

Visit our website to read the full information release:

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National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): March 2026 quarter – information release

 

2 July 2026

We have developed experimental quarterly estimates for institutional sector accounts and balance sheets, to provide more timely data on New Zealand’s economy. We have published these experimental estimates on a quarterly basis since the first release for the March 2021 quarter.

Key facts

Quarterly income and outlay accounts
In the March 2026 quarter, compared with the December 2025 quarter (in seasonally adjusted terms):

  • household saving increased $610 million to $2.2 billion
  • household net disposable income rose 2.1 percent ($1.4 billion):
    • compensation of employees rose 1.2 percent ($595 million)
    • income tax paid by households fell 2.3 percent ($370 million)
    • income of self-employed businesses (entrepreneurial income) received by households rose 2.8 percent ($337 million)
    • social assistance benefits in cash rose 1.2 percent ($146 million)
    • interest received by households fell 6.8 percent ($197 million)
  • household final consumption expenditure rose 1.2 percent ($742 million)
  • non-financial business enterprises saving fell $275 million to $6.0 billion
  • central government saving fell $717 million to -$2.4 billion
  • interest received by financial business enterprises fell 1.3 percent ($124 million)
  • interest paid by financial business enterprises fell 3.2 percent ($323 million).

Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

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Animal Welfare – More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025

Source: Beyond Animal Research

More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025
New Government statistics released today by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) show that 274,985 animals were used in research, testing and teaching (RTT) in New Zealand during 2025.
The figures also reveal that 181,043 animals ultimately lost their lives because of the research, testing and teaching system. This includes 99,711 animals killed during or for research, testing and teaching, and a further 81,332 animals bred for research but never used before being killed as “excess” animals.
Beyond Animal Research (BAR), a New Zealand charity dedicated to working with the science community to replace harmful animal use with modern scientific methods, says the figures highlight the need to accelerate New Zealand’s transition towards animal-free science.
“While the total number of animals used has decreased compared with 2024, these figures show that more than 181,000 animals still lost their lives because of New Zealand’s research, testing and teaching system,” says Tara Jackson, Co-Founder of Beyond Animal Research.
“Almost half of these animals were never used in any scientific procedure. They were bred for the research, testing and teaching system, but were ultimately killed as excess.
This is a profound waste of sentient lives, and one that deserves far greater public attention.”
The five most commonly used species in 2025 were cattle (69,579), sheep (58,016), fish (56,506), mice (45,553) and fowls/chickens (10,730).
The species most commonly killed during or for research, testing and teaching were mice (43,334), fish (34,302), fowls/chickens (9,227), rats (6,270) and sheep (1,897).
BAR emphasises that the annual statistics require careful interpretation. Not every animal included in the figures undergoes invasive procedures or experiences significant suffering, and annual totals naturally fluctuate because some long-term projects are only reported when they conclude.
“Looking at one year’s statistics in isolation doesn’t tell the full story,” says Jackson.
“But what these figures do tell us is that New Zealand continues to rely on the harmful animals in research, testing and teaching, despite rapid advances in animal-free technologies around the world.”
Jackson says New Zealand now needs a coordinated strategy to accelerate the uptake of these approaches.
“The tools to transition exist. The alternatives are improving. The science is evolving. What we need now is to remove long-standing barriers across institutions, regulators and government so New Zealand can accelerate the uptake of modern, animal-free methods wherever they can replace harmful animal use.”
“Working with the science community and not against, BAR believes that real progress comes from trust, collaboration and transparency. By working together, as a science alliance for animals, Aotearoa New Zealand has the opportunity to become a global leader in scientific innovation that no longer involves animal suffering.”
  • BAR is a science alliance for animals working with progressive scientists, institutes and organisations from the animal science and research community in NZ and beyond.
  • Our science advisors are highly respected figures in the international scientific community, recognising BAR as a revolutionary charity – the first of its kind, created to unite for animals and scientific progress.
  • Together, we believe in an Aotearoa, New Zealand that leads the world in the ethical use of animals for science.
A summary of the key statistics from 2025 can be found on the latest Blog from BAR: https://www.beyondanimalresearch.org.nz/post/nz-government-releases-2025-animal-use-statistics
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Complaints to Utilities Disputes are up by 62% as more Kiwis seek help

Source: Utilities Disputes

More than 27,000 New Zealanders contacted Utilities Disputes last year for help with electricity, gas, water and telecommunications issues, as complaints reached record levels.
Utilities Disputes' 2025/26 Annual Report shows formal complaints increased by 62% to 13,554. Despite the sharp rise, 93% of complaints were resolved within 10 days.
The increase continues a longer-term trend, with complaints rising more than 500% over the past five years.
Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon says: “the increase in complaints is due to a combination of factors, including tough economic conditions, price increases and a willingness by consumers to take action when you don’t think you’re being treated fairly.”
“While many people see complaints as a negative, we see them as an opportunity to make a difference. With household budgets under pressure and utility costs rising, people are paying much closer attention to their bills and the service they receive. When something doesn't seem right, we're here to provide an independent, fair assessment.”
Utilities Disputes provides a free, fast and effective service to help resolve disputes between consumers and utility providers.
“Electricity, gas, telecommunications, or water are essentials we all rely on. It is vital kiwi consumers and providers can access a fair and independent channel to resolve complaints. By resolving disputes quickly and fairly, we help restore a consumer's trust in their provider and give the provider the opportunity to demonstrate they take their customers’ concerns seriously, says Mr Mallon.”
Utilities Disputes also issued over 4,500 complaint summaries on behalf of utility consumers in the last year. These are short, succinct written accounts of the customer’s complaint and what needs to happen to address it, which lets the provider know what they need to do to get it sorted.
The most common issues raised by consumers involve complaints about a customer service issue (52%) including difficulties in getting through to the provider, as well as failures to act as agreed and poor complaint handling. Billing complaints were the second most common issue, raised in 47% of complaints, with complaints relating to affordability, unclear or disputed bills.
Mr Mallon says complaint data is one of the organisation's most valuable tools for improving the utility sector.
“Every complaint tells a story. By identifying recurring issues and sharing what we learn with providers and regulators, we help drive improvements that benefit all New Zealand consumers. Resolving systemic issues lifts the level of service we all receive and is good for everyone – consumers and companies alike.”
Find out more about systemic insights here –
Background
Utilities Disputes is a free and independent dispute resolution service resolving consumer complaints about electricity, gas, water, and broadband installation on shared property. It has a simple and clear purpose – to sort complaints between utility providers and consumers through prevention and education. Our mission is to be fast, fair and effective.
Key facts
  • Utilities Disputes is a free service for consumers
  • 27,045 Kiwis contacted us to access our services
  • 4,536 complaint summaries produced and sent to providers on behalf of customers
  • 62% increase in the number of complaints compared to the previous financial year
  • 13,554 complaints (8,536 in 2024-2025) which is 55 (rounded) per working day
  • Most common complaint involves a customer service issue at 52%
  • Second most common at 47% is billing
  • Many complaints have multiple issues eg: billing and customer service
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ChildFund NZ – Fatal floods hit Rohingya refugee camps just weeks after fires

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Disaster has become a cycle that children living in the world’s largest refugee camps cannot escape,” says ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani.
Just weeks after a devastating fire destroyed vital food-growing gardens in Cox’s Bazar, deadly monsoon rains have hit.
Nine people are dead, including one child killed in a landslide. More are injured, nearly 400 have been forced from their homes, and almost 800 shelters are damaged or destroyed.
“Heavy rain is not just bad weather for these children. It can mean landslides, destroyed make-shift homes, disrupted learning, and serious risks to safety.”
Two hundred and fifty millimeters of rain fell in a single day.
“An already vulnerable population will struggle to cope without support.
Ten years ago they had to flee violence in Myanmar, leaving their country and their homes behind. Now they face flooded shelters, damaged facilities, and the threat of more rain.
Children need safe places to learn, recover and be protected. Learning Centres, Early Childhood Education Centres, Women and Girls Safe Spaces – the very facilities set up to give these children some stability are among those now flooded.”
Heavy rainfall means the risk of landslides and flash flooding remains high, and forecasters are warning there is more to come. The priority is to keep children away from hazardous areas, support families who have been displaced, and protect essential services.
“Our partners on the ground have activated emergency response teams. But the scale of what's needed will only grow if this rain continues.”
ChildFund New Zealand has a long-standing emergency appeal supporting Rohingya refugee children and families living in Cox's Bazar, where more than 1.1 million people remain displaced.
“These children are facing crisis after crisis with nowhere else to go. They need the world to keep paying attention” says Josie Pagani.
ChildFund New Zealand’s Child Refugee Crisis Appeal remains open to those who wish to support children and communities facing ongoing displacement and repeated disasters.  
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Sudan: More than 5,500 children displaced by escalating violence in El Obeid in past two weeks

Source: Save the Children

More than 5,500 children are among the 11,000 people newly displaced in the wake of escalating violence in and around the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan, Sudan, with thousands more at risk, Save the Children said [1].
The latest displacement in over three years of war comes amid intensified hostilities around the city, with the UN warning that up to 500,000 civilians are at risk of being targeted in large-scale atrocities and could be displaced if the situation escalates.
This warning follows increased drone strikes that have killed civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure, resulting in severe fuel and water shortages, while siege-like conditions in the city have left thousands of people trapped and cut off from basic services.
Humanitarian access to El Obeid, a critical commercial and humanitarian hub for the region, is becoming increasingly constrained, with several major access routes into the city disrupted or closed, Save the Children said.
At the same time, the onset of the rainy season and an ongoing cholera outbreak in Kordofan with over 300 cases, confirmed by the State Ministry of Health, is creating further risks for children who are unable to access healthcare. New displacement into already overcrowded camps is increasing the likelihood of the outbreak worsening.
As families arrive in displacement sites and into local communities, they face increasingly difficult living conditions. Many are struggling to access adequate shelter, clean water, healthcare and education services, while overcrowding is placing additional pressure on already limited resources.
Emad-, who lives with his children, wife and members of his extended family in El Obeid, witnessed the latest drone attacks. He told Save the Children: “Throughout June, the situation in El Obeid was extremely challenging, drones rained heavily in and around the city. About 11 fuel stations were hit, along with fuel tankers coming to El Obeid. Additionally, tankers sitting idle inside the city were also hit including water tankers. There seems to be a systemized targeting that directly affected the economic situation, causing price hikes and water shortages, where two jerrycans now go for almost 6,000 Sudanese pounds ($10).”
Save the Children is particularly concerned about the growing psychological toll on children, many of whom have witnessed violence, lost loved ones, or been forced to flee multiple times in the past three years.
Sudan is home to the world’s largest displacement crisis with about 14 million people or a quarter of the population, forced to flee their homes.
Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:
“For children, displacement is far more than the loss of a home. It often means losing access to school, healthcare, clean water and the support networks that help them feel safe and protected. Many have already been displaced multiple times, and without urgent action to protect civilians, maintain humanitarian access and prevent further violence, thousands of children could be forced to flee while facing increasing risks to their safety, health and wellbeing.”
Across Sudan, children continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Children under 18 make up about 55% of the country's displaced population, highlighting the disproportionate impact of violence and displacement on children's safety, wellbeing and future.
Save the Children continues to operate in and around El Obeid, providing health, nutrition, water, sanitation, education and child protection services despite growing access challenges.
Save the Children is calling for the protection of civilians, safe and sustained humanitarian access, and increased support for displaced children and families in North Kordofan and across Sudan. Without urgent action, needs are expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks, placing thousands more at risk.
Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and provides programming for children and families affected by conflict, displacement, extreme poverty and hunger.
Notes:
[1] According to data from Save the Children teams in El Obeid, Sudan.
-Name changed to protect identities.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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China Tests Missile in South Pacific – Peace Action Wellington says No missile launches wanted in the Pacific

Source: Peace Action Wellington

The Chinese government test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a submarine that landed in the South Pacific Ocean Nuclear-Free Zone.

“Peace Action Wellington universally condemns all nations using the Pacific for weapons testing and deployments. This includes the United States, Australia and New Zealand along with China and all others that are militarising the region,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“Pacific peoples have been very clear that they do not want a war in the region, and they do not want weapons testing in the Pacific. The US has tested at least 10 ICBMs in the Pacific since 2022, most of them landing in Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The government of Kiribati has been vocally opposed to these US missile launches into the Pacific.

“The New Zealand government did not condemn any of the US launches.”

“Just last week, the NZDF tested its own guided missile capability from the P8 Poseidon as part of US military training around Guam. The people of Guam have been very clear that they don't want their homelands turned into a giant US military base and weapons testing zone.”

“This ratcheting up of military training and weapons testing and training in the Pacific must stop. It is imperative that the great Pacific ocean, Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, become totally weapons-free, not just nuclear weapons-free zone. Instead of training and preparing for war, we need all hands on deck to de-escalate this dangerous military contest.”

“A war with China in the Pacific would be a disaster not just for everyone in Aotearoa NZ, but for the entire globe. The New Zealand government's decisions to pull closer to the US, including weapons testing and training in the Pacific, seriously threatens a principled, independent and nuclear-free foreign policy.”