Highest volume of jobs being listed since 2024 - Seek report

The latest job data indicates there has been another increase in the number of advertisements -- to the highest volume in two years, though still behind pre-Covid levels.

The SEEK NZ Employment Report shows ad volumes rose 0.3 percent in May over April, or just over 12 percent on the year earlier.

"What we're seeing in New Zealand's job market is a recovery that is broadening and deepening. The regions are firing, with particular growth tied to big building projects and infrastructure outside of the major cities," SEEK country manager Rob Clark said.

All but three regions recorded growth in May, with West Coast rising by 3.4 percent and more than 34 percent on the year earlier, followed by gains in Southland and Canterbury.

The total number of applications per job ad continued to rise in April* by 0.6 percent, and remained elevated on the year earlier, as the supply of candidates outpaced the increase in jobs ads.

Demand for AI skills rose 3.9 percent month-on-month, with strong year-on-year growth.

Job ads by industry indicated stronger demand for industrial, construction and public sectors roles.

"There is still momentum in the public sector, though in light of recent announcements, this may be short lived," Clark said.

"The market and outlook remains tough and some sectors are clearly navigating within a conservative environment - but on balance, this is a job market that is moving in the right direction."

*Applications per job ad are recorded with a one-month lag.

Advertised salaries

Separately, the quarterly SEEK NZ Advertised Salary Index (ASI) indicates advertised salaries rose 0.7 percent in the three months ended in May, which was slightly down on the three months ended in February.

Still annual advertised salary growth was 3.1 percent in May over the year earlier, which was the highest rate since late 2024.

"Canterbury remains the clear regional standout, with the strongest quarterly and annual growth. The rest of the North and rest of the South also posted solid gains, while Auckland and Wellington continued to lag," Clark said.

Advertising, arts & media saw the fastest annual advertised salary growth of any industry over the year to May at nearly 11 percent, with real estate and property at 9 percent.

Clark said banking and financial services were also a stand out, with annual advertised salary growth rising 6.2 percent on the year earlier.

However, mining, resources and energy, and science and technology were still the weakest performers on an annual basis.

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