A deeper problem lies beneath the surface, many New Zealanders are no longer able to find full-time work and are instead patching together multiple part-time roles to stay afloat.
In the March quarter, full-time employment dropped by 45,000 positions, while part-time jobs saw an increase of 25,000 compared to the same period last year. For many Kiwis, this shift reflects a growing trend where job seekers are forced to accept whatever roles they can find.
One such individual is Petra Elise, who was made redundant during the pandemic and has since struggled to secure a full-time job. Despite being well-qualified and actively applying for hundreds of positions, she now juggles two part-time roles in the entertainment industry. Her situation is far from unique. Like many others, she relies on tight budgeting and a small wage supplement. For Petra, life has become a continuous balancing act with no room for financial comfort or long-term planning.
This phenomenon is known as underemployment, when people are willing and available to work more hours but cannot find adequate opportunities. In the past two years, the number of underemployed workers in New Zealand has risen by 26 per cent. As of early 2025, over 127,000 part-time workers are actively seeking more hours.
The problem stems not just from a lack of available full-time roles, but also from a highly competitive job market. Job seekers like Olivia Duncan have applied for hundreds of positions with little success. With so many applicants for each vacancy, many have expanded their search to include part-time roles or freelance gigs to maintain some level of income.
While some Kiwis have embraced a more flexible or unconventional career path out of passion or necessity, the majority are simply making do with what’s available. For many, the shift away from a traditional career path is more about survival than choice.
Experts suggest that underemployment typically rises in times of economic uncertainty. According to officials from the Ministry of Business and Employment, as the economy recovers, companies are likely to increase the hours of existing staff before hiring new employees. While this may eventually ease the pressure on part-time workers, the current situation continues to weigh heavily on thousands of households nationwide.
Until that recovery materialises, underemployment will remain a stark reminder of the fragility of New Zealand’s labour market, forcing many to accept a patchwork of jobs and sacrifice stability in the process.
Contact Accountancy Insurance
We would love to hear from you.
About Accountancy Insurance
Thousands of accounting firms offer our tax audit insurance solution, Audit Shield to their clients.