Advertised salaries rose just 0.5% in the three months to August, with annual growth slowing to 2.0% across New Zealand, according to SEEK’s latest salary index.

That’s well down from the stronger gains seen through 2023.

The slowdown is most pronounced in Wellington and parts of the South Island, where weaker advertised salary growth has dragged on the national average.

Canterbury bucked the trend, recording the fastest quarterly and annual growth at 1.0% and 2.9% respectively.

By industry, Mining, Resources and Energy roles topped the chart with advertised salaries up 9.4% over the year, though the sector remains relatively small.

Real Estate & Property also lifted 7.6%, while Science & Technology matched that pace.

At the other end of the scale, Design & Architecture roles fell 1.4% and Government salaries dropped 0.7% over the year.

SEEK country manager Rob Clark says the picture is mixed: “Annual average advertised salary growth continues to slow, despite quickening slightly in the most recent quarter. Growth was relatively slow in Auckland over the three months to August, perhaps reflecting the high number of people looking for work in the region right now.”

For Hibiscus Coast families, the numbers underline what many already feel: wage growth isn’t keeping up with the cost of living.

While Canterbury workers are seeing stronger increases, Coastie commuters into Auckland are facing a crowded job market and only modest advertised pay rises.

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