Southland Leads Job Market Surge with Record Listings

Total job listings across New Zealand have seen a notable shift, with regions such as Southland experiencing a remarkable growth of 25.1 percent in listings. According to Nicole Williams, head of TradeMe Jobs, this surge indicates a significant recovery in the job market, particularly in the South Island. While national job listings remain 0.8 percent lower than a year ago, the increase in certain regions is helping to offset declines in major urban centers.

Regional Growth vs. Urban Decline

Canterbury has achieved a record number of job listings, with a quarterly rise of 22.4 percent. In contrast, major cities like Auckland and Wellington are experiencing declines, with Auckland down 5.9 percent and Wellington 6.8 percent lower than last year. Williams noted that job seekers are encountering challenges, but there is a growing sense of optimism in the market. The quarterly jump of 13 percent in job listings suggests that confidence is beginning to return as spring approaches.

“The slowing decline in job listings and the significant quarterly increase is welcome news for job hunters,” Williams stated. She highlighted that the number of applicants per job vacancy is decreasing, indicating a potential tightening of the job market.

Sector Performance and Salary Trends

Vacancies are strongest in sectors that benefit from consumer activity and infrastructure investment. Listings in hospitality and tourism have risen by 16 percent, while construction and roading saw a 13 percent increase. Trades and services listings have also improved, up 8.3 percent. This growth in the hospitality sector is particularly encouraging for school leavers seeking entry-level positions, as the number of applicants has declined compared to last year.

Notable roles attracting the most applications include a pick packer and chief gaming officer in Auckland, a dairy assistant in Waikato, and a media position with Highlands Motorsport in Otago. The average salary for advertised jobs stands at $72,820, reflecting a 1 percent increase from the previous year. However, salaries vary widely across different sectors.

Williams commented, “This indicates that for roles requiring specific skills, especially those in high growth sectors, employers are willing to offer a premium to attract the right talent.” The top-paying sectors include IT, finance, and business analysts, with average salaries around $130,000. In contrast, the manufacturing sector remains the weakest, with average salaries in the mid-$60,000 range.

Regions such as Auckland, Wellington, and the West Coast report the highest average salaries, just under $76,000. The evolving job landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for job seekers across New Zealand, with significant regional disparities shaping the market’s future.