Kiwi job market softens, but still growing

MEDIA RELEASE
9 July 2012

Kiwi job market softens, but still growing

The national employment market continues to head in a positive direction with advertised vacancies up 8.2% on a year ago, according to an analysis of more than 42,000 roles on Trade Me Jobs over the past quarter.

Head of Trade Me Jobs, Pete Ashby, said the “two-speed economy” was still in full swing. “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.”

Around the grounds

The strong Canterbury numbers were not confined to Christchurch. “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.”

He said jobs at the “pointy end” of the post-quake 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.”

Mr Ashby said all regions in the South Island had been “solid” on the listings growth front, but it was a different story in the major metropolitan areas. “Auckland and Wellington look to have borne the brunt of the uncertainty swirling around the economy.”

Dissecting the sectors

Overall, the top three sectors in terms of growth compared to a year ago were: Construction & architecture (up 79%); Agriculture, fisheries & forestry (up 37%); and Retail (up 29%).

On the other side of the coin, listings for Human resources & recruitment staff were down by 22.8%. Mr Ashby attributed this to the uncertain outlook for the employment market. “In recruitment land, consultancies are also in a holding pattern until the game-changing all of government tender results are known.”

Crystal ball gazing

Mr Ashby said he expected to see several factors at play in the Kiwi job market over the coming months. “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.”
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