As we head rapidly towards the end of 2020, a year in which many say ‘phew’ thank goodness that is over, the latest statistics on the New Zealand economy give us a picture of the depth of the effects of COVID-19.

There have been some reassuring signs of stability in recent indicators for the Waikato region. A rise in the number of people in jobs saw the unemployment rate remain steady (compared to a rise around the country), and exports continue to perform well.