One expert is warning the job market won't get easier any time soon.
The latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3 percent in the September quarter.
That's 160,000 people looking for a job, and another 138,000 wanting more work.
Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon says we're on the cusp of a recovery - but not a quick one.
"Our forecast is for it to hit 4.6 by the end of next year - and that's not a low unemployment rate by any means. It's still gonna be pretty uncomfortable."
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