Unemployment is slightly better than expected, with 5.2 percent of New Zealanders out of work in the June quarter.

That’s lower than the Treasury’s forecast of 5.4 percent.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says that’s 8000 fewer unemployed than predicted.

While any rise in joblessness is tough, Willis says it’s the knock-on effect of inflation, high interest rates and sluggish growth over the past few years.

But she points to signs of a turnaround:

• Inflation is easing
• Interest rates are falling
• GDP grew in the first quarter of the year

The Government is putting $6 billion into construction projects before Christmas, aiming to create more jobs.

It’s also rolling out fast-track development plans and a new tax policy to encourage business investment.

Wages are also outpacing inflation.

Average hourly earnings rose 4.5 percent over the year, while inflation sat at 2.7 percent.

The wage growth was driven mostly by private sector increases.

For Coasties, this means potential relief from job uncertainty and cost-of-living pressures.

With building projects on the horizon and economic recovery underway, local trades, small businesses and workers could start feeling a bit more optimistic.

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