New figures from TradeMe reveal a 13% increase in job postings last quarter. This indicates a possible recovery in the job market, particularly in the South Island.
Total job listings across New Zealand remain slightly below last year’s level, showing a modest decline of 0.8% nationally.
TradeMe Jobs head Nicole Williams stated that the South Island is driving the job market recovery and leading the way in improving employment opportunities.
“The strong listing growth in regions like Southland – up a huge 25.1 percent – Otago – up 7.1% – and Canterbury – up 6.1% – is offsetting the quieter markets in our two biggest cities.”
Canterbury experienced a record surge in job listings last quarter, with vacancies increasing by 22.4%.
In contrast, the major cities experienced annual declines in job listings, with Auckland seeing a 5.9% reduction and Wellington falling by 6.8%.
Williams indicated that while job seekers are still facing challenges in finding positions, she believes the overall trend is positive and the tide is turning in the job market.
However, she also pointed out that many job seekers might not yet feel that improvement.
“The slowing decline in job listings and especially the 13% quarterly jump suggest the market is beginning to show some confidence coming into spring, which will be welcome news for job hunters.”
Williams also noted that there has been a decline in the number of applicants competing for each job vacancy, which she views as another encouraging indication that the job market is beginning to improve.
Job vacancies were strongest in industries that depend heavily on consumer spending and infrastructure investments.
Job listings in hospitality and tourism grew by 16%, those in construction and roading increased by 13%, and trades and services saw an 8.3% increase.
The positions receiving the highest number of applications on the site included pick packer and chief gaming officer roles in Auckland, dairy assistant in Waikato, and Highlands Motorsport media maverick in Otago.