10 August 2004
Media Statement

Fall in unemployment welcomed

The latest fall in unemployment in the wider Bay of Plenty is welcomed as great news by the local MP, Mark Burton.

Today’s Statistics NZ announcement shows unemployment stands at 4.9 per cent in Bay of Plenty in the June quarter, with 5,700 registered unemployed. This compares to a rate of 6.6 per cent, around 7,100 people, at the same time last year.

Nationally, unemployment is at 4 per cent in the year to June.

Taupo MP Mark Burton welcomed the figures as a “pleasing drop on last year, and the lowest unemployment rate in Bay of Plenty since the late 1980s.”

The figures show there are currently around 109,200 in jobs in the region.

“I’m particularly delighted that under this government Maori unemployment has more than halved since 1999; nationwide, the rate is down to 8.8 per cent from 10.4 per cent in June last year, and from 18.2 per cent in June 1999.

Maori employment currently stands at 172,500, compared to 131,800 in June 1999. “This means that 40,000 more Maori now have jobs under this government.”

“I am pleased to note that the government’s policies on providing leadership and partnership with regions is encouraging growth and innovation in the economy, these impressive results will have a positive impact on the lives of many people in our region,” Mark Burton said.

ENDS

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