Filled jobs across New Zealand rose by 13,046 when seasonally adjusted in October 2023 compared to September 2023, according to figures released by Statistics New Zealand.

A filled job is defined as a continuing employer-employee relationship. Statistics New Zealand calculates filled jobs by averaging weekly jobs paid throughout the month based on tax data.

The increase in filled jobs in October was driven by the public administration and safety industry, which includes public administration, defence, public order, regulatory, and safety services.

"The election was the biggest driver for the increase of filled jobs in the public administration industry. The Electoral Commission employs around 20,000 people over the election period. That's according to Work at the 2023 General Election on the Electoral Commission’s website," said business employment insights manager Sue Chapman.

Annually, public administration and safety had the most significant increase in filled jobs, up 23,442 from October 2022 to October 2023. Health care and social assistance had the second-largest industry rise, up 13,683 jobs over the year to October 2023. Accommodation and food services followed, up 7,839 jobs. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing decreased by 2,475 jobs for the period between October 2022 and October 2023.

The age groups 25 and older all increased in numbers for filled jobs from October 2022 to October 2023. The most significant increase was in the 35–39-years age group, up 22,900 jobs (9.2%).

All regions had increases in filled jobs for October 2023 compared with October 2022. Auckland recorded the largest rise of 35,302 jobs (4.5%), followed by Canterbury, up 9,081 jobs (2.9%), and Waikato, up 6,065 jobs (2.7%).