The latest unemployment figures are an indication of the deterioration in the economy, says National Party leader John Key.
Official figures on Thursday 6 November showed the unemployment rate rose from 3.9% to 4.2% in the three months to the end of September, its highest level since December 2003.
That is despite an increase in the number of people employed during the period.
Mr Key said if National forms the Government after the election it would move quickly to put in place its policies to promote economic growth.
Labour Party leader Helen Clark said the figures also show that while unemployment has crept up, the labour participation rate is still at a record high, which she said is encouraging.
Miss Clark said Labour would bring forward a number of projects that would create jobs.
