Job ads have now climbed for four straight months, showing stronger hiring confidence across New Zealand.

SEEK’s latest Employment Report shows September listings rose 1%, with annual growth reaching 6%, the longest run of growth in more than three years.

Construction led the rise, up 6% on the quarter and 13% over the year.

Banking and Financial Services followed with a 5% monthly increase, the fastest of any sector.

SEEK Country Manager Rob Clark says the upswing is broad-based.

“Almost every industry is seeing rising demand, but Construction and Professional Services are where growth is accelerating.”

The South Island is ahead, with Canterbury and Otago both up 17% year-on-year.

Canterbury’s steady climb in listings since late 2024 reflects ongoing infrastructure work, while Otago’s gains have been sharper month to month.

Auckland recorded its second consecutive 1% rise, narrowing its annual drop to just 1%, the smallest gap since 2022.

National SEEK Job Ad percentage change by industry (September 2025 vs August 2025) – Ordered by job ad volume.

Applications per job ad also continue to increase, up 1% month-on-month and 10% over the year.

Manawatu, Auckland, and Waikato are seeing the biggest lifts in candidate activity, showing strong competition for each role.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, it signals a livelier Auckland job market and more openings in trades, construction, and hospitality.

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