The Employers and Manufacturers Association says businesses are forging ahead despite a sluggish economy. 

The unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in June – the highest level in 11 years. 

Economists point to the war in Iran as one factor behind the rise, creating uncertainty and making businesses cautious about hiring. 

EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking he’s hopeful we’ve reached the peak – there’s good things happening under the surface, so hopefully soon we can start turning the other way.  

He says there was quite a sharp dip in confidence when the Iran war began, but they’re seeing more people deciding they won’t hang around until circumstances get better, they’ll just get on with life. 

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The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has commissioned an investigation into workplace conduct and culture at the Financial Markets Authority.

The ministry, which is tasked with monitoring the financial market regulator, has appointed Kirsty McDonald KC to lead the investigation.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further.

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After a difficult period last month, US equity markets appear to be on the up.

The prospect of a new Iran deal appears to have inspired some hope as well, with fuel prices dropping down again.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.

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A marketing expert says Jetstar's deciding to charge for overhead carry-on luggage is is just business. 

From February, all passengers' under-seat luggage can weigh more - up to 10kg - but they'll have to fork out an extra $23 for overhead luggage.

Auckland University marketing professor Mike Lee says it's an attempt to separate itself from other carriers. 

"This will rationalise some of that premium overhead space now - and then, of course, they'll be making a nice little profit on that, hopefully." 

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An economist believes the number of unemployed Kiwis might be close to peaking.

The rate reached an 11-year high in the June quarter, on 5.6 percent - up from 5.4.

Many say uncertainty fuelled by the Iran war is discouraging employers from taking on staff.

Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon says the labour market could be nearing its weakest point.

"We were starting to see some momentum picking up in the economy late last year to early this year. Unfortunately, we've had this interruption from the Middle East conflict. Had that not happened, we might be seeing a bit more momentum." 

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Unemployment's reached the highest level in 11 years.  

Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in the March quarter.  

Of the 166 thousand unemployed in this year's second quarter, almost a-fifth had been without work for more than a year.  

Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham some economists think the rate won't fall again any time soon.  

He says some predict it'll increase to 5.7% and hang around at high levels into next year.  

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New Zealand red meat exports were worth $1.37 billion in June, 50 per cent higher than June last year and a record value for exports over that same period, according to new data.

The June result was supported by higher sheep meat and beef export volumes, as well as stronger global prices, while the full 2025/26 year also recorded a lift in overall export value.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.

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Wages in the retail sector have risen - with the average wage reaching $30.94 per hour, up 1 percent on last year.

This comes amid difficult conditions impacting the sector, which faced shrinking margins and falling sales.

It was also lower than the annual rate of inflation, which was 4.1 percent in the June quarter.

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says many workers also make extra money off commissions - and the sector offers significant contributions to workers' KiwiSavers. 

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The Auckland Business Chamber believes it's about time the big four energy gentailers are split up.

It's released a two step policy alongside the Northern Infrastructure Forum - calling on political parties to break up the big four gentailers, and increase renewable generation.

CEO Simon Bridges says if we want affordable, abundant energy, then changes need to be made. 

"What we've got at the moment is four gentailers... they control the market. And the incentives at play mean that if they allow additional supply, that brings down prices and reduces their income from their existing, long paid for assets. In short, what's good for them... isn't good for the wider economy." 

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Donald Trump is claiming fresh talks with Iran will begin in coming hours, after calling off strikes against the country.

The US President threatened over the weekend to carry out the biggest attack 'since World War Two'.

Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained what this means for the markets.

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