1 on 1 in 10: Māori Unemployment Hits 11.5% — Where Is The Growth?

Māori unemployment has hit 11.5%, food insecurity is affecting 51% of Māori households, and youth unemployment has climbed to devastating levels. So where is the economic growth New Zealanders were promised?

In this week’s extra 1 on 1 in 10, Martyn speaks with Massey University economist Professor Matt Roskruge about the impact of New Zealand’s struggling economy on Māori, austerity, infrastructure investment, poverty, taxation and what another National–ACT–New Zealand First Government could mean for the Māori economy.

Roskruge argues that withdrawing public investment while infrastructure is deteriorating risks making the economic situation worse — particularly for regions and communities already struggling with unemployment and underinvestment.

The interview examines whether New Zealand should be borrowing and investing during an economic downturn, rather than cutting public services and delaying infrastructure.

In this interview:
• Māori unemployment at 11.5%
• Pasifika unemployment and youth unemployment
• Food insecurity in Māori households
• Poverty and the cost-of-living crisis
• Bernard Hickey’s argument against austerity
• Government infrastructure spending
• Business liquidations and unemployment
• The Māori economy and regional development
• Iwi investment and economic growth
• Wealth taxes and taxing capital
• Could New Zealand introduce an exit tax?
• Funding healthcare and public services
• What another National–ACT–NZ First Government could mean for Māori
• Election 2026 and the economy

Professor Roskruge argues New Zealand has enormous underused economic capacity — including thousands of people who want more work — and needs a credible plan to invest, grow and rebuild.

If the economy is recovering, why aren’t ordinary New Zealanders feeling it?