Last week’s unemployment rate announcement was not the kind of news anyone wanted to hear. As with most economic headlines, however, there is often more beneath the surface.
Real-time insights show a different story
Following the announcement, we reviewed LiveRem’s real-time dataset, which represents predominantly private-sector organisations across New Zealand, to see what is actually happening in workplaces right now.
The findings were encouraging:
In the three months to 30 September 2025 (the same period covered by the latest Stats NZ release), companies on our platform recorded a net 3.43% growth in headcount.
In the three months to 31 October 2025, that figure increased to a net 5.29% growth.
Not every business using LiveRem is expanding, and some are still contracting. However, the overall net effect is positive. Across LiveRem’s dataset, more people are being hired than are leaving.
How this relates to job ads and applications
At first glance, last week’s unemployment rate announcement may seem at odds with both SEEK’s data, which shows job applications at record highs, and with LiveRem’s own real-time dataset. Taken together, these indicators tell a more complete story.
An increase in job ads and applications typically reflects greater market activity, rather than contraction. More people are applying because more roles are available, and employees appear confident enough to explore new opportunities. At the same time, employers are actively recruiting to backfill or expand roles.
This dynamic suggests that confidence is returning to the market, although there remains a mismatch between available jobs and job seekers. Certain skills continue to be in high demand, while others are in oversupply, a pattern that aligns with what we are seeing across LiveRem’s sector data.
Why our data may differ from official statistics
LiveRem’s insights are drawn primarily from the private sector, including technology, marketing, finance, trades and professional services - sectors that tend to be agile and growth-focused.
Our dataset does not include extensive public sector data or consider companies entering liquidation, both of which can significantly influence national unemployment figures. This difference in composition explains why LiveRem’s findings occasionally diverge from broader national averages.
When we reviewed the same period in 2024, growth was at less than half of the current rate. The increase this year indicates stronger confidence among employers and a renewed investment in people.
What these numbers suggest in plain English
In simple terms:
Companies are hiring more people than they are losing
Business confidence is improving
Roles are being added or backfilled
Turnover is being offset by recruitment
These indicators show that many organisations are preparing for growth, even as some industries continue to stabilise.
Why real-time data matters
Traditional labour market data is always retrospective. By the time official reports are published, the situation in most businesses has already changed.
LiveRem provides a different perspective - one based on what is happening today. The platform connects directly to HR and payroll systems, aggregating anonymised workforce data in real time and revealing trends as they emerge.
This enables HR leaders, executives, and founders to:
Track workforce changes as they occur
Identify early signs of growth or contraction
Make informed, confident, data-driven decisions
Staying ahead
It may take time for the national unemployment rate to reflect these positive shifts. However, private-sector hiring momentum remains a promising sign. LiveRem will continue monitoring changes across industries to provide early insight into the health of the labour market as it happens, rather than months later.
To see what is happening in your industry today, book a demo and discover how real-time HR and payroll data can help your organisation benchmark smarter, retain top talent, and plan ahead with confidence.
