3. Question No. 3—FinanceDr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of FinanceQuestion No. 3—Finance 3. Dr DUNCAN WEBB (Labour—Christchurch Central) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has he seen on the New Zealand economy?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON (Minister of Finance): Just this morning Statistics New Zealand reported that the unemployment rate fell to an 11-year low of 3.9 percent in the June quarter. This is down from 4.2 percent in March is below the 4.7 percent rate that the coalition Government inherited and is well below the OECD average of 5.2 percent. Statistics New Zealand also reported today that the number of employed people rose by more than 21000 in the June quarter. All of this shows the coalition Government's economic plan is delivering more jobs for New Zealand and shows a strong underlying economy in the face of global headwinds.Dr Duncan Webb: What did the data released today say about wages?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Statistics New Zealand today reported that the average ordinary-time hourly earnings rose 4.4 percent in the year to June to $32.37. This was the biggest increase since 2009 or as the Stuff headline says the biggest pay rise for New Zealanders in 10 years. Statistics New Zealand notes that Government policies like the minimum wage increase for our lowest-paid workers helped boost wages alongside the pay settlements between the Government and workers such as with nurses. The Government's economic plan focuses on making sure that everyone shares in our economic success and today's figures show that we are delivering a more inclusive economy that raises the living standards of all New Zealanders.Dr Duncan Webb: What did today's data say about unemployment for young people and Māori?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: We're continuing to make good progress on Māori unemployment and in getting our young people into work and training. Today's report showed the Māori unemployment rate fell to 7.7 percent in June down from 9.4 percent last year the lowest rate since June 2008. Today's report also showed the NEET rate for 15- to 24-year-olds not in employment education or training also fell to 10.3 percent from 13.1 percent. I would like to particularly acknowledge the Minister of Employment the Hon Willie Jackson for his drive and management of schemes such as Mana in Mahi and He Poutama Rangatahi. This Government will not be complacent particularly with a volatile global economic situation but we are making good progress.Hon Iain Lees-Galloway: In light of those answers how does he reconcile the news that wages are up and unemployment is down with assertions from certain commentators that this Government's approach to collective bargaining and increasing the minimum wage would result in fewer jobs and workers losing their incomes?Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Mr Speaker—SPEAKER: Order! Order! Taking some real care not to make this out of order.Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: I would never do that Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: Well that's deviating from veracity with a—Hon GRANT ROBERTSON: Ha ha! What I would say is that in the time I've been in this Parliament I've heard many people say that a lift in the minimum wage would somehow or other see a reduction in employment and the figures today tell the opposite story. We are seeing wages rise we are seeing employment rise and we are seeing unemployment go down. It is a good thing to lift the minimum wage and I'm proud to be part of a Government that has a plan to do just that.SPEAKER: Question No. 4 the Hon Paul Goldsmith.Kieran McAnulty: Here we go.SPEAKER: Order! Who did that interjection?Kieran McAnulty: That was me.SPEAKER: Well the member will stand withdraw and apologise.Kieran McAnulty: I withdraw and apologise.