Kiwi job market shows growth from Northland to Southland

7 July 2013

Kiwi job market shows growth from Northland to Southland

All regions across the country recorded growth in the number of jobs advertised on Trade Me Jobs according to an analysis of listings onsite in the April-June quarter.

Head of Trade Me Jobs, Peter Osborne, said the number of job listings nationwide was up 19% on the same period in 2013, continuing the healthy job market trend evident since the September quarter. “Growth in listings has been very strong, despite the potential handbrake effect of the unusual combination of Easter and Anzac Day holidays in March, and a Budget that had a cooling effect on the number of jobs advertised in May.”

Mr Osborne said most advertisers were upbeat. “We’re hearing plenty of optimistic reports from recruiters and employers, and the majority are planning to keep on hiring too.”

He said improved economic and employment opportunities in New Zealand also contributed to the lowest ever level of migration to Australia in May. “Kiwis are increasingly likely to stay in New Zealand which is good news for NZ Inc, and is also complemented by returning expats who have noticed things on the improve back here in New Zealand.”

The national picture
Mr Osborne said the lift in advertised roles in all regions was a “pretty unusual but very welcome” result. Auckland still shines brightly (up 21%), while Canterbury and Wellington maintained their considerable growth trajectories (up 21% and 15% respectively).

Waikato was another standout performer with job ad growth of 24%, and Otago comfortably reached double digits with a 16% lift.

In the sectors
The demand for skilled workers is still high, with candidates in IT, engineering, construction and legal the most difficult to source. “Anyone with decent skills in these areas holds the balance of power at present, and they’re in a great position if they are hunting for new opportunities,” Mr Osborne said.

In terms of the number of jobs available, roles in trade (32%), construction (39%) and transport (29%) saw the highest jump compared to this time last year.

Mr Osborne said the average pay was flat at $60,881 nationally. “Pay levels holding firm is good news for employers, and a little unexpected given the tight labour market. If demand for workers continues to outstrip supply, wage inflation is inevitable as employers offer fatter pay packets in a bid to entice staff.”

Looking ahead
Mr Osborne said he remained upbeat about the coming months. “We’re confident the market will continue to grow despite the cool-down in May. Employer confidence remains high and there are still a number of sectors where candidates are in short supply and set to drive underlying growth.

“The Christchurch rebuild remains a major contributor and we’re seeing a shift in the type of demand from construction relate roles to professional and infrastructure roles.”

He said there was “no end in sight” for Auckland’s consistently high demand for skilled labour. “The City of Sails accounts for around 40% of all jobs advertised across the country, and will continue to be a beacon of opportunity.”

Trade Me Jobs employment survey: April-June 2014 (Q2)
1. Listings growth by job: Q2/2014

2. Average rates of pay by job (full-time jobs only): Q2/2014

3. Listings growth by region for Q2/2014

4. Average rates of pay by region (full-time jobs only): Q2/2014

NB: Segments with less than 50 jobs excluded.

About Trade Me Jobs
More New Zealanders have visited Trade Me Jobs (www.trademe.co.nz/jobs) than any other NZ job site in 2013 according to Nielsen Online.

Full details of pay by profession for full-time jobs listed between July and December 2013 are in the Trade Me Jobs Salary Guide.

*Nielsen NetView: Monthly Unique Audience Report

ENDS

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