The last jobs numbers before the election deliver a damning verdict on Christopher Luxon's economic management, with unemployment climbing again to 5.7 percent, and 51,000 more Kiwis out of work since National took office.

“Three years of Christopher Luxon's leadership and he's made everything worse. His last chance to show his plan was working has come and gone, and Kiwis are paying the price,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

"For working families, the pressure hasn't let up. The cost of living is still biting, bills are piling up and wages are struggling to keep pace.

“Young people are being hit particularly hard, with 91,000 or one in seven young people not working, studying or training. It's no wonder so many are looking overseas for opportunities when they can't find a future here at home.

“Māori unemployment is at 10.9 percent and Pasifika unemployment at 11.5 percent. National's economic failure is hitting these communities especially hard and Christopher Luxon has barely noticed.

"National wiped out around 20,000 construction jobs, and cut thousands of public service positions. Skilled workers are losing their jobs while businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

"None of this was inevitable. When Labour left office unemployment was at 3.9%. Now it's at an 11-year high.

“National chose cuts over investment, cancelled projects and left businesses to fend for themselves. The result is fewer jobs, less opportunity and more families under pressure.

“Labour will get Kiwis back on the tools, building homes, fixing schools and repairing hospitals. We’ll also stop the cuts to the public services our country relies on and get the economy moving again.

“New Zealand can’t afford another three years of National. If you want a government focused on creating jobs, growing the economy and giving Kiwis a fair shot, party vote Labour,” Barbara Edmonds said.