Job ads on job board Seek New Zealand were up by 40% in February 2022 when compared to February 2021 and up 31% when compared to February 2019.

When compared to the previous month, job ads remained steady with no change. Applications per job ad fell by 9% from January, notably outside the major cities, which was 46% lower than applications recorded in February 2021.

By region, year-on-year job ads growth was highest in Northland (56%), followed by Canterbury (54%). When compared to 2019, the highest job ads growth was seen in Manawatu (103%). Over the month, the highest growth was also seen in Manawatu (11%).

Rob Clark, Country Manager, Seek New Zealand, said, “With no change to job ads month-on-month, January and now February have been record months for job ads on seek.co.nz, although candidates are still hesitant to hit ‘apply’ with applications per ad falling significantly.”

“While the reopening of international borders may be cause for some optimism as we can look forward to an influx of workers again for the first time in two years, there is the concern that we will lose candidates to the lure of OE (overseas experience) and overseas opportunities. Applications and people movement will be a key metric to watch over the coming months,” Clark added.

By industry, monthly job ads growth soared in Sport and Recreation (22%). This was followed by Government and Defence (18%).