Unemployment in Aotearoa has surged to its highest level in nearly nine years, with young people disproportionately affected. According to recent statistics, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 24 has reached a staggering 15.2 percent, while the rate for those aged 25 to 34 stands at 5.2 percent. This alarming trend has prompted criticism of the government’s recent economic policies, which have led to significant job losses.
Ricardo Menéndez March, the Green Party spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, has called on the government to take responsibility for its actions. He pointed out that since mid-2023, the government has overseen the loss of 150,000 jobs across the country, with 80,000 jobs disappearing from the crucial 15-35 age bracket. “This isn’t just an economic crisis,” Menéndez March stated. “The government’s economic decisions are creating a social crisis with an immeasurable, disproportionate impact on our young people.”
The Green Party’s criticism extends to the government’s handling of job losses, with Menéndez March accusing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of misleading the public about the inevitability of these job cuts. “This was a deliberate move by this government to cut jobs and punish the unemployed instead of taxing the wealthy few to create thousands of jobs and quality infrastructure,” he said.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Menéndez March outlined the Green Party’s plan to address unemployment through its Green Jobs Guarantee. This initiative aims to deliver an initial 40,000 jobs focused on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring nature, and increasing housing availability. The party also proposes the establishment of the Future Workforce Agency, known as Mahi Anamata, to plan for the skills needed in the job market.
“We’ll revitalise and supercharge the roaring success of Jobs for Nature,” he emphasized, ensuring that everyone who seeks a good, living wage-paying job will have the opportunity to secure one. Menéndez March concluded by asserting the need for a change in leadership: “The first step to getting there is kicking out Luxon and his corporate cronies.”
As the unemployment crisis continues to unfold, the impact on young people remains a pressing concern. Many are left grappling with uncertainty about their future in the workforce, as economic security becomes increasingly elusive. The government’s next steps will be crucial in addressing these challenges and restoring confidence among Aotearoa’s youth.
