Job ad volumes in New Zealand dropped by 26% in August 2023 when compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from job board Seek.

When compared to the previous month, job ads increased slightly by 2%. Applications per job ad increased by 2% over the month to August.

By region, year-on-year figures showed decreases across the board with the steepest decrease seen in the Taranaki region (-41%).

Month-on-month figures showed the highest increase in Southland (9%) and the steepest decline in Gisborne (-8%).

By industry, Seek noted that all monitored industries reported a decline year-on-year with hospitality and tourism reporting the steepest decline (-45%).

On a monthly basis, the hospitality and tourism industry reported the biggest gain (20%) while on the other hand a decrease was seen in construction (-7%).