Many New Zealanders have faced difficult times in recent months. However, the impact of the economic downturn has varied across regions.
Northland
Northland’s GDP per capita stands at $54,796.
Based on MBIE data, house prices in Northland remain 12.2% below their highest recorded level. In terms of rents, Trade Me data shows that rental costs increased by 1.7% from April to May.
One of the major challenges facing Northland is unemployment, with data indicating that just under 11% of the population receives JobSeeker support.
According to Otago University’s deprivation index, which assesses deprivation using factors such as internet access, income, employment, qualifications, living space, and living conditions, 57% of the population in Northland’s Far North District falls within the two most deprived deciles.
Auckland
Auckland’s GDP per capita was $88,355.
House prices continue to be 21.6% lower than their highest recorded level. In terms of rents, Trade Me data indicated a 1.5% decrease in May compared to April, bringing the average rent to $670.
The region’s annual average unemployment rate was 5.4% in the year ending March 2025, according to Infometrics, with approximately 25% of its population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
Waikato
The GDP per capita in Waikato is $68,598.
House prices are currently 12.1% below their peak. According to Trade Me, rents have remained steady, with the average weekly asking rent at $580.
Waikato has a comparatively higher unemployment level, with 7.3% of people receiving JobSeeker Support. According to the Otago University deprivation index, 54% of South Waikato’s population falls within the two most deprived deciles.
Bay of Plenty
Bay of Plenty’s GDP per capita was $67,650.
House prices are currently 13.5% below their highest point. Trade Me reported that rents fell by 2.9% in April compared to March, with the average asking rent at $660.
8% of Bay of Plenty’s population receives Jobseeker Support. However, the situation varies across the region: while places like Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are relatively better off, 78% of Kawerau’s population falls within the most deprived deciles. Additionally, 42% of Kawerau’s workforce is employed by a small number of manufacturing companies.
Taranaki
GDP per capita is $85,362.
Taranaki exhibits variation in house prices, with medians of $495,000 in South Taranaki, $500,000 in Stratford, and $685,000 in New Plymouth. According to Trade Me, the average weekly asking rent is $610, reflecting a 1.7% increase year on year.
The construction activity in Taranaki was weak, employment declined by 2.5% annually due to reduced gas production, and consumer confidence decreased.
Gisborne
Gisborne’s GDP per capita was $55,326.
The region’s house prices remain 16.6% below their peak. According to Trade Me’s latest update, Gisborne had the highest average weekly asking rent in the country at $680, which may be influenced by a relatively limited supply of rental properties.
Hawke’s Bay
GDP per capita was $64,935.
The average asking rent in Hawke’s Bay, according to Trade Me, is $670 per week, matching Auckland’s level and representing a 6.3% increase from April to May.
There are areas of greater prosperity alongside many that are less well-off—Wairoa, for example, has 75% of its population within the most deprived deciles, according to data from Otago University.
Wellington
According to MBIE, Wellington’s GDP per capita was $92,776.
Infometrics reported that the annual average unemployment rate up to March was 4.8%. Nearly 30% of Wellington’s residents indicated they hold a degree-level qualification or above.
Other areas
In Marlborough, GDP per capita is $84,296. The region’s unemployment rate is 3.1% lower compared to Tasman’s unemployment rate of 3.5%.
Christchurch has an unemployment rate of 5.4% and Selwyn 3%; Ashburton sits at 3.6%.
In Otago, the unemployment rate in March was at 2.9%.