MEDIA RELEASE

17th December 2013

Jobs a plenty in the Bay of Plenty

Plenty by name and plenty by nature on the job front. New data released today by SEEK, New Zealand’s largest job source, shows the Bay of Plenty has notched up a significant 33% increase in job opportunities since November 2012. 

“The Bay of Plenty has been a standout performer in the job market in 2013 in terms of rate of growth, leading to over6,000 jobs being advertised in the region since January. And while other regions in New Zealand have performed well, we are delighted to see this region which hasn’t had the easiest time over the last two years shine”, comments Janet Faulding, General Manager of SEEK New Zealand. “The construction sector is currently one of the key drivers of job growth in the Bay, experiencing significant year-on-year growth of 59% in the number of jobs advertised.”

The Eastern Bay Link and a surge in commercial and residential building projects are spearheading the strong upswing in jobs.

“There is currently high demand for engineering and construction personnel in the Bay of Plenty, driven by new housing developments and subdivisions,” says Stephen Smith, Director HarperSmith Global Recruitment Limited. “The Bay of Plenty has become a desirable place to live with its mild climate and proximity to Auckland, the region’s population has grown by 4% and these people need places to live and work.”

Hospitality and Tourism are also adding to the Bay’s economic strength with a variety of events such as the Bay of Plenty Airshow and the State NZ Ocean Swim attacting visitors to the region. Job prospects within the sector have more than doubled, with greatest demand for Chefs, Front of House staff and Hotel Managers.

“A number of large hotel chains such as Novetel, Sudima and Millennium Hotels & Resorts are currently recruiting for staff.  While there always tends to be seasonal peaks in hospitality and tourism roles this growth when measured year on year still points to strong, sustained growth,” says Ms Faulding.

The highest number of job opportunities sits in the Trades and Services industry, with 73  jobs advertised in November alone. This was followed by Healthcare and Medical, with 70  jobs and then Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics rounded out the top three with 56 jobs.

“Many businesses are feeling confident about the prospects for the local economy and this optimism is reflected in the demand for new staff”, says Phill Van Syp, Managing Director, 1st Call Recruitment.

Interestingly, there has also been a surge in the number of applications for jobs in the Bay, with an increase of 17% year-on-year, suggesting the lure of all the Bay has to offer may be too hard to resist.

ENDS

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