Job listings across New Zealand nudged up 1% in April, marking the second month of consecutive growth and signalling early signs of stability in the job market, according to SEEK’s latest Employment Report.

The national rise was helped along by growth in key regions like Auckland (3%) and Waikato (4%).

That’s especially relevant for Coasties commuting into the city or looking for roles that are increasingly offering hybrid options.

One industry standout was Retail & Consumer Products, with a 10% month-on-month jump.

Another was Information & Communication Technology, which saw a 7% boost, continuing a slow but steady rebound from pandemic-era lows.

SEEK’s Country Manager Rob Clark described the uptick as “modest but notable,” reflecting signs of returning business confidence—particularly in skilled sectors like design, architecture, and tech.

For those job-hunting on the Coast or eyeing a career shift, it’s worth noting that while job ads are still down 10% year-on-year, this is the slowest rate of decline since 2022.

SEEK says the employment market may be entering a more stable phase after nearly two years of downward trends.

Locally, any signs of hiring growth—especially in Auckland—are welcomed by Hibiscus Coast residents, many of whom juggle long commutes or remote work arrangements.

Sectors like retail and tech often feed into our regional economy through part-time, flexible, and remote roles.

However, the report also highlighted a 3% dip in applications per job, possibly due to increased listings giving jobseekers more choice.

Healthcare, medical, and engineering sectors were among those that saw ongoing declines, with healthcare job ads down 3% in April and 20% year-on-year.

As the market steadies, Coasties watching job boards might feel cautiously optimistic.

Whether you're job-hunting, considering a return to work, or just keeping tabs on local trends, this month’s data suggests we’re not out of the woods—but we’re on firmer ground than we’ve been in some time.

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