Media Release

15 December 2009

There have been some impressive gains for Maori in the workforce over recent years, according to a report released today by the Department of Labour.

Between 2004 and 2009, the number of Maori in work increased by 13.0%, or a total of 29,300 jobs, says Department of Labour Head of Labour Market Information Monique Dawson. This rate of increase was well ahead of the 8.3% growth rate for non-Maori employment.
Employment growth for Maori has been strongest in the health and community services sector and in the trades, reflecting higher Maori participation in tertiary education and training. Maori employment in the least-skilled occupation groups has also declined over the past five years.

“Over recent years, Maori qualification completion rates and school achievement rates have improved significantly.  Furthermore, Maori now participate in tertiary education at higher rates than non-Maori.”

The global recession reached New Zealand in late 2008, and Maori have certainly been affected. In the year to September 2009, the number of Maori employed dropped by 2% or 5,100 jobs, and the unemployment rate for Maori rose to 11.2%. While this deterioration is substantial, recent improvements in both training and employment patterns mean that Maori have been less affected than in previous recessions.

Over the next few years, Treaty settlements are likely to provide iwi with substantial economic support. In turn, this should improve employment opportunities for Maori by creating a demand for workers at all skill levels, addressing Maori unemployment. 

“There has been an increase in Maori enrolments in formal study over the last year, which is one positive aspect of the recession. This should also help ensure that Maori are more strongly placed to take advantage of opportunities once confidence returns to the labour market, and help accelerate Maori participation in the knowledge economy.”

Maori in the New Zealand Labour Market is available at http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/maori/in-the-labour-market-2009/executive-summary.asp

 

ENDS
Media contact: 0274 422 141 or media@dol.govt.nz