New Zealand Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
New Zealand's labor force participation was 70.35% in 2025, ranked 26th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's labor force participation stood at 70.35% in 2025, a decline of +0.20pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 70.61% by 2026. New Zealand ranked 26th globally.
New Zealand's labor force participation rate has demonstrated a generally upward trajectory since 1990, albeit with fluctuations. The indicator reached its all-time high of 71.50% in 2023, a period marked by a strong post-pandemic economic recovery. Conversely, the trough in 1993, when the rate dipped to 62.87%, coincided with a period of economic stagnation under the country's preceding economic reforms. Notably, New Zealand's labor force participation rate in 2025 stands at 70.35%, ranking it 26th globally. This is closely comparable to Bahrain's 70.43% and Paraguay's 70.25%, but lags behind Moldova's 72.29% and Burkina Faso's 70.00%. The country's increasing labor force participation rate over the years suggests a growing workforce, likely driven by favorable demographic trends. However, a decline in the birth rate and potential shifts in labor market conditions may challenge this trajectory in the coming years, necessitating proactive policy adjustments to maintain this positive trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 70.51% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 70.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 70.61% | - | - |
| 2025 | 70.35% | −0.20pp | #26 |
| 2024 | 70.55% | −0.95pp | #27 |
| 2023 | 71.50% | +0.57pp | #25 |
| 2022 | 70.93% | +0.53pp | #27 |
| 2021 | 70.40% | +0.53pp | #28 |
| 2020 | 69.86% | −0.31pp | #24 |
| 2019 | 70.17% | −0.33pp | #28 |
| 2018 | 70.51% | +0.03pp | #29 |
| 2017 | 70.48% | +0.93pp | #29 |
| 2016 | 69.55% | +1.15pp | #34 |
| 2015 | 68.40% | +0.09pp | #38 |
| 2014 | 68.31% | +0.90pp | #39 |
| 2013 | 67.41% | −0.23pp | #43 |
| 2012 | 67.64% | −0.26pp | #41 |
| 2011 | 67.90% | +0.36pp | #38 |
Analysis
New Zealand's labor force participation was 70.35% in 2025, a decline of −0.20pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 70.61% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's labor force participation was 70.35% in 2025. Ranked 26th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
New Zealand's labor force participation peaked at 71.50% in 2023.
The lowest labor force participation in New Zealand was 62.87% in 1993.
New Zealand ranks 26th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's labor force participation is projected to reach 70.61% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of New Zealand in 2025 was 70.35%. This ranks 26th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_labor-force-participation,
title = {New Zealand Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}