The unemployment rate in the Bay of Plenty rose to a seven year high in the September quarter, according to the National Bank's regional trends survey.
It shows employment in the region fell 1.9 per cent in the in the September quarter, raising unemployment to 7.9 per cent.

The survey also reveals the Bay of Plenty recorded a large rise in farm sales in September, lifting 17 per cent in the quarter to its highest level in a year.
The residential real estate market also picked up some momentum over the September quarter, with a significant drop in the median time to sell, from 62 days in the June quarter, to 44 days in September – the lowest figure in the region in over two years.
The number of commercial construction consents rebounded 12 per cent, following a 17 year low in June.
An opposing outturn was noted for residential building permits, which slumped 20 per cent after a strong surge last quarter.