New Zealand's hiring activity 'winds down' to Christmas

Hiring activity in New Zealand slowed down in November as jobs ads dropped five per cent month-on-month ahead of the holiday season, according to SEEK NZ.

Data from the online employment marketplace showed job ads fell for the third consecutive month and are now 28% lower year-on-year.

Auckland, Wellington, and Waikato led the overall drop in ad volumes, declining six per cent, seven per cent, and six per cent, respectively.

Double-digit declines were also recorded in Taranaki (-14%) and Marlborough (-10%), according to the data.

"Job ads declined in November, dropping five per cent month-on-month as hiring activity winds down into the Christmas season," said Rob Clark, Country Manager SEEK NZ, in a statement.

"The cities continue to lead the hiring slowdown, with ad volumes falling to a greater degree in the metro areas compared to the smaller regions."

Areas that recorded an increase include Southland (3%), Manawatu (2%), and Gisborne (1%). Hawkes Bay and the West Coast both didn't see any movement in the number of job ads from the previous month.

Hiring by industry

When looking at industries, the Retail & Consumer Products registered a double-digit decline in job ads with -12%, according to the report.

The sector is followed by Hospitality & Tourism (-9%) and then Administration & Office Support (-8%).

"While it is expected that hiring within these industries would slow down at the end of the year, Retail & Consumer Products in particular has been recording a downward trend in hiring for the past three months," Clark said.

In addition to Retail & Consumer Products, the Professional Services sector also saw a major decline (-12%) in job ads from the previous quarter.

Only the Insurance and Superannuation sector saw a double-digit increase in job ads in November (22%), followed by the Design and Architecture sector (6%), and then Farming, Animals, & Conservation (3%).

Sectors that recorded a marginal increase of one per cent include Human Resources & Recruitment, as well as Government & Defence.

Hirers 'spoiled for choice'

But as job ads continued a declining trend, applications per posting just went up five per cent in October, according to SEEK NZ.

"Candidate activity continues to ramp up, with applications per job ad jumping five per cent month-on-month, bringing levels back to peak," Clark said.

Applications per job ad increase in Auckland (5%), Canterbury (5%), Wellington (4%), and Waikato (3%).

By industry, most industries saw an increase in applications, with major growth recorded in the Community Services and Development sector (28%).

"Hirers are being spoiled for choice with applicants at the moment, and candidates will therefore have to work harder to stand out amongst the strong level of competition," Clark said.