New Zealand's unemployment rate is 0.4 percent above Australia's, the worst result since 2012.
"I am one of the team that doesn't even shop at my own store because I can't afford to."
But one region is bucking the trend.
Consultation on the move is taking place this week.
Waikato Hospital is sending some emergency patients to other hospitals due to a staff shortage.
Times might be tough, but there's one glimmer of (possible) relief.
It's another requirement in the Coalition Government's crackdown on beneficiaries.
A lot of people are "super stressed" about their bills amid the high cost of living.
One applicant said candidates are "desperate, overqualified and willing to compromise".
Following a review, the parties agreed trainees in the second part of the course will be paid as employees of Airways NZ.
Bad news if you are in the market for a new job.
Tony Alexander says the economic pain "is going to get a lot worse" before the end of the year.
A new phenomenon called 'ghost jobs' has been infiltrating the job market overseas.
More than 6000 public sector jobs are already gone or are proposed to be slashed.
More than 700 roles were set to go as part of a Government directive for savings.
The advice might make the average jobseeker cringe, but a recruitment expert said it's key to standing out.
"It's a sign of slack emerging in the labour market."
The PSA union says the losses equate to one in six positions being cut.
The airline is making it easier to pursue a career in aviation.
"We've never even been to NZ. We don't know anyone out there."
