WELLINGTON, June 29 (Xinhuanet) -- New Zealand has the second highest employment growth rate among OECD countries, according to the organization's report reaching here Wednesday.

    The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)'s employment outlook report shows the country's labour force grew 3.4 percent last year, up from 2.3 in 2002 and 2003.

    New Zealand came in just half a percent behind top performer Mexico and ahead of Ireland, Greece and Spain.

    Australia and South Korea placed sixth equal on the list of 30 countries. The Netherlands, Sweden and Czech Republic were the worst performers.

    While New Zealand's employment growth was expected to slow, it was one of only four countries -- including Australia, Spain and Mexico -- predicted to post rises of more than 2 percent this year, said the report.

    New Zealand Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey said Wednesday while there was a risk New Zealand economy could soften next year, OECD forecasts were more conservative thanNew Zealand Treasury's.

    "And we have bettered their forecasts in the past. We're still optimistic about keeping unemployment low and we are very optimistic about getting people off benefits," said Maharey. Enditem