July 12 2012 - An analysis of 42,000 jobs listed in the last quarter on Trade Me Jobs
shows that the New Zealand job market remains positive, with listings up by 8.2 per cent on the same period in 2011.
Peter Ashby, head of Trade Me Jobs, said:
"Canterbury continues to provide a huge impetus in job listings and was up 49 per cent, while the rate of growth in the rest of the country is back in second gear.
Overall, it's encouraging news in the face of the challenging economic conditions around at the moment."
Noting that strong Canterbury results were not limited to Christchurch, he commented: "Yes, there's been sharp growth in the city, but the broader region from Hurunui down to the Waitaki river has also seen an increase in jobs listed."
Peter Ashby said that jobs at the 'pointy' end of the post-earthquake recovery effort were driving the increase.
"Demand for planners, surveyors and engineers has risen sharply. Listings in construction and architecture are up 148 per cent on a year ago,
and engineering is up 75 per cent. There was also strong growth in office and administration roles - up 118 per cent -
perhaps an indication that some businesses are returning to a semblance of normality, and preparing for a rebuild-inspired boom."
While South Island has been doing well generally, "Auckland and Wellington look to have borne the brunt of the uncertainty
swirling around the economy."
In terms of sectors, Hr and Recruitment staff were doing badly- down by 22.8 per cent.
Peter Ashby put this down to uncertainty in the job market. "In recruitment land, consultancies are also
in a holding pattern until the game-changing all of government tender results are known." On the other hand, growth was seen in:
- construction and architecture (+79%)
- agriculture, fisheries & forestry (+37%) and
- retail (up 29%)
Looking ahead, he commented:
"Despite the slowing market, there's no evidence of greater competition amongst job-seekers yet. Of course, if the
market continues trending down, this will change. The spectre of the Christchurch rebuild continues to loom large and comes with
enormous opportunities for Kiwi job-seekers.
"We'll also be watching to see whether there is any truth behind some of the rumoured moves by global businesses to New Zealand, as they consider taking advantage of the Kiwi quality of life, better industrial relations and relatively low wages.”
