How have elections impacted New Zealand's unemployment rate?

Elections at home and abroad may have a played a part in the latest rise in the number of people out of work. 

Unemployment's hit 5.7%, up from 5.6% three months ago. 

The unexpected rise has coincided with an increase in casual and fixed-term roles, and a move towards more part-time employment. 

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Kerre Woodham businesses appear to be holding off on making decisions. 

He says they want to see both what happens in our election, but also how the mid-terms affects the war in Iran and global fuel prices. 

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