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Unemployment benefit numbers in the Wairarapa have fallen by 29 percent in the last year, according to the latest statistics.
Labour's government MP in the Wairarapa Georgina Beyer welcomed the drop as further evidence of a strong economy across New Zealand, and across the regions.
Results from the Ministry of Social Development's quarterly benefit survey show that for the year to December 2005, 537 people were on the Unemployment Benefit, down from the previous year's 754 - a drop of 29 percent.
Ms Beyer says that compared with the 1999 figures when Labour took office, the total number of people receiving an Unemployment Benefit in the Wairarapa has dropped by 1570 or 75 percent.
"We've seen a huge change in our communities with more people than ever before moving into work," said Ms Beyer. "This has happened on the back of Labour's sound management of the economy leading to strong economic growth.
"Importantly these gains are being shared with all regions of New Zealand. National is scare-mongering with warnings of an economic downturn, but the truth of the matter is that our economy is, as forecast, currently slowing before it is expected to pick up again in late 2007.
"We have had good jobs growth and an overall reduction of people on any kind of benefit. The labour market is still tight, and our local economy is in good shape and it is time for people to stop talking it down and to get on with business."
The latest statistics showed that in 2005 the total number of people receiving any kind of benefit across Wairarapa fell by 4 percent. Between 1999 and 2005 the total number of people on unemployment, domestic purpose, sickness and invalid benefits dropped by 20 percent or in other words there were 985 fewer people receiving benefits.
"Behind these statistics are the realities of Kiwis getting on with supporting their families, working towards individual goals and making real contributions to our communities and local economies - these are the real success stories," Ms Beyer said.
Note: Data was taken from the following Work and Income Service Centres: Dannevirke, Masterton
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