'Alarming' youth unemployment hits poorest communities hardest
Youth unemployment in New Zealand is hitting the poorest communities disproportionately, reports say. Described as 'alarming', the picture highlights the uneven impact of the economic slowdown. Experts are calling for targeted support.
Youth unemployment in New Zealand is hitting the poorest communities disproportionately, according to reports. The picture is described as 'alarming' and points to the burden of the economic slowdown being unevenly spread across different parts of society.
For young people who struggle to find work, dropping out of the labour market early can lead to long-term losses in income and skills. More limited access to opportunities in lower-income areas is cited as one factor deepening the problem.
Experts highlight the importance of targeted support such as training, internships and employment programmes. The course of youth unemployment will depend on the broader direction of the economy and the steps policymakers take.
More from Australia-Pacific
Aspiration has changed since the Howard era. This budget is finally catching up
Treasurer Jim Chalmers's 2026-27 budget proposes a sweeping reorientation of housing, childcare and education incentives. According to ABC analysis, the budget breaks with the middle-class identity of the John Howard era and refocuses on a younger generation of renting voters.
Australian police arrest two in connection with gunman Dezi Freeman
Australian police have arrested two people in connection with Dezi Freeman, the fugitive at the centre of one of the country's longest manhunts. Freeman is wanted in connection with the killing of two police officers in 2022. The investigation is ongoing.
Will drastic NDIS overhaul repeat the mistakes of the past?
Australia's planned overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is raising fears that the cuts could repeat the mistakes of the 1980s deinstitutionalisation wave. Advocates and health experts warn sudden changes could leave a serious care gap.