Economy grows 2.6% in June quarter while unemployment and retail spending keep falling

Infometrics' June 2026 Quarterly Economic Monitor shows economic activity rose 2.6 percent in the June quarter, and Stats NZ reports ready-mixed concrete volumes were up 12 percent. But unemployment reached 5.6 percent — above the 5.5 percent economists expected — with 8,000 more people in long-term unemployment. Retail card spending fell 1.4 percent ($98 million) in June. The signals cut both ways for a government facing an election.