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New Zealand families have extra reason to celebrate this Easter, says Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer.
Figures released today show the number of New Zealanders receiving the core unemployment benefit is now below 100,000 for the first time since June 1988.
Georgina Beyer says this means those registered as receiving the unemployment benefit as at April 4 in Work and Income's central region (includes Horowhenua and Manawatu) was 6042. The Masterton Work and Income service centre's total was 901 and Dannevirke's was 309.
Three years ago, in March 2000, the number of people receiving the unemployment benefit in the central region was 8611. There were 1457 on the benefit in Masterton and 312 in Dannevirke.
Nationally, unemployment peaked at more than 176,000 in 1993.
"The fact that New Zealand is back to five figure unemployment is fantastic news,' said Georgina Beyer. "Beyond the savings to taxpayers, estimated at approaching $1 billion, it means more Kiwis are now working than ever before.
"That means increased opportunity for them to improve their own lives and those of their families.
"This Labour/Progressive government has made economic growth its number one priority because a growing economy delivers the sorts of levels of unemployment we are now experiencing.
"That has benefits for every New Zealander, especially those able to enter or rejoin the workforce," said Georgina Beyer.
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