Story perspectives

New Zealand Faces Stagnant Wages Amid Economic Struggles

9/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's wage growth is among the lowest globally, with GDP per capita growth ranking 25th out of 43 countries.
Post-Covid economic recovery is slow, and construction industry expectations are unrealistic.
Weakened labour demand results in lower wage growth compared to the US, Australia, and the UK.
Structural issues, such as low productivity growth, impede long-term wage increases.
Global concerns include stagflation risks and weak job growth in the US and Canada.

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Story summary

New Zealand's wage growth is among the lowest globally, with GDP per capita growth ranking 25th out of 43 countries.
Post-Covid economic recovery is slow, and construction industry expectations are unrealistic.
Weakened labour demand results in lower wage growth compared to the US, Australia, and the UK.
Structural issues, such as low productivity growth, impede long-term wage increases.
Global concerns include stagflation risks and weak job growth in the US and Canada.