Job ads on Seek New Zealand were up by 44% in September 2021 when compared to September 2020 and up 12% when compared to September 2019.

When compared to the previous month, job ads edged up 0.3%. At the same time, applications per job ad increased 11% month on month.

Across the country, Canterbury saw the biggest year-on-year gain in job ads with a 61% increase. This was followed by the Bay of Plenty (55%) and Taranaki (54%).

On a monthly basis, growth was led by Manawatu (12%).

“The latest Seek New Zealand data shows that national job ad volumes have remained flat, rising only 0.3% month-on-month in September, however when we look back to the same month in 2019, job ad numbers are 12% higher nationally,” said Seek New Zealand Country Manager Rob Clark.

Seek noted that as restrictions eased around the country throughout September, job ad growth followed.

“When comparing Auckland to the rest of New Zealand, we see quite a different picture due to the varying levels of lockdown restrictions,” Clark said. “Job ad volume numbers in Auckland saw a drop of 8% versus the previous month, whereas the rest of New Zealand, excluding Auckland, had a job ad volume increase of 7%.”

Clark continued, “Applications per job ad rose in September, with an increase of 11%. However, if we compare this number to September 2019, there were 26% fewer applications per job ad. Visits to site are strong, showing that people are monitoring job activity but being hesitant to move roles just yet.”