Job ad volumes in New Zealand fell by 25% in September 2023 when compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from job board Seek.

The 25% annual decline is a very slight improvement over the 26% decline seen in August.

On a monthly basis, after a slight rise in job ads in August, job ads fell in September, dropping 2%. Volumes are now 1% higher than they were in September 2019.

Applications per job ad fell for the first time in seven months, but the 4% monthly drop sees levels still at historically high levels, 118% higher than August 2019.

Among regions, Gisborne saw the only annual increase at 4%. The steepest annual declines were seen in Taranaki (-34%) and Bay of Plenty (-31%).

On a monthly basis, the West Coast saw the highest increase at 8%, followed by Otago (7%). Northland saw the steepest decline at 11%, followed by Hawkes Bay (-7%).

Seek New Zealand also published monthly industry figures which found mining, resources, and energy lead the way at 12% growth, followed by science and technology (11%). Consulting and strategy saw the steepest decline (-12%).

Rob Clark, Seek New Zealand, country manager said, “After four years, job ads volumes overall have returned to their pre-Covid normal levels. Some industries, remain significantly higher than they were in 2019, such as community services & development, government & defence and mining, resources & energy.”

“September recorded a 4% drop in applications per job ad, perhaps an indication that they are starting to plateau after two months of record-level applications,” Clark added. “With application levels still so high, the balance of power, which had been so strongly with candidates for much of the past two years, is shifting to hirers.”