Silver Fern Farms says it's preparing to cut up to 174 jobs from its Christchurch meatworks, the Belfast Rd site and the Canterbury lamb cutting works at Factory Rd.

NZ employers are more optimistic than they have been in two years, prompting speculation hiring activity could soon return to pre-recession levels.

The kiwi dollar has surged in value after a stunningly low unemployment stat and a speech by Alan Bollard.

Economists are surprised at the massive drop in unemployment stats released today, with the rate dropping from 7.1pc to 6pc in the March quarter.

Australia's Opposition Leader says cutting the dole for people under 30 would reduce the need for skilled migrants to staff mines.

The govt-appointed Welfare Working Group will consider unemployment insurance among options for reforming the social security system.

Tariana Turia is to be the minister in charge of implementing the Whanau Ora policy - potentially the biggest shake-up of the welfare system in decades.

NZ has one of the highest school dropout rates, with the sixth-lowest high-school completion rate in the developed world, a report has found.