12% of NZ's working-age population on main benefits, up 0.6 percentage points, with Jobseeker Support at 6% (September 2023).

As of September 2023, 12% of New Zealand's working-age population, totaling 391,224 individuals, receive a main benefit, reflecting a 0.6 percentage point increase. Of this, over 6% (204,765) are on Jobseeker Support. Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen notes that while current figures are higher than desired, they remain lower than during the 1990s recession and post-GFC. The rise in health and disability benefits indicates a need for deeper analysis of underlying issues.