More teens are working while older employees delay retirement, new Census data shows
New Zealanders are entering the workforce earlier and leaving it later in life, according to the latest Census data.
The 2023 Census, released by Stats NZ, showed that the number of teenagers between 15 and 19 years old who are entering the workforce increased to 45.1%, up from 33.7% a decade ago.
The number of employees aged between 20 and 24 years old also increased in the past decade, from 65% in 2013 to 73% in 2023.
Dr. Rosemary Goodyear, Census spokesperson, said previous surveys have also recorded the strong employment levels for young people across 2022 and 2023.
"This 2023 spike in employment for young people was likely linked to the low unemployment rate at the time, and the high unmet demand for labour following COVID-19 migration restrictions," Goodyear said in a statement.
The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry in the Marlborough region was also noted for employing a high number of people aged 15 to 29.
"Marlborough region is well known for its seasonal work opportunities, particularly in fruit picking and viticulture," Goodyear said. "This type of work suits backpackers and young people who are looking for the opportunity to travel and gain new experiences."
At the same time, people who remained in the workforce past the age of 65 years have also steadily increased throughout the decade, according to the report.
In 2023, 24.1% of adults aged 65 years and over were employed in New Zealand, up from 22.1% in 2013.
The report noted that the biggest increase for people past 65 was those aged between 70 and 74 years, who recorded an increase of 2.8 percentage points from a decade ago.
"There are several factors which may be contributing to this trend, including better health, longer life expectancy, and financial pressures surrounding retirement," Goodyear said.
Overall, the increase in employment in 2023 continues the trend recorded from 2013 to 2018, where all ages reported employment growth.
"Employment increased across all ages between 2013 and 2018 as the labour market recovered from the Global Financial Crisis," Goodyear said.
