Our latest unemployment numbers have caught some by surprise.

Stats NZ figures show a 4% rise in the three months to December.

That's up from 3.9% in the preceding three months but below most economists' predictions, who'd been expecting between 4.2 and 4.3%.

ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking there's potential these figures are more reflective, and things may have actually worsened.

He says other indicators —like benefit numbers— having been rising steadily.  

LISTEN ABOVE

Our latest unemployment numbers have caught some by surprise. 
Stats NZ figures show a 4% rise in the three months to December. 
That's up from 3.9% in the preceding three months but below most economists' predictions, who'd been expecting between 4.2 and 4.3%. 
ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking there's potential these figures are more reflective, and things may have actually worsened. 
He says other indicators —like benefit numbers— having been rising steadily.   
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.