The New Zealand job market continued to improve last year, setting the scene for a positive 2014, as the unemployment rate is expected to fall further, online employing and training site Seek says.
Seek New Zealand general manager Janet Faulding said competition to attract talent would be fierce in the year ahead.
Last year, nearly 252,000 jobs were advertised, an increase on 2012, although Seek did not release the 2012 figures.
The best month to secure a role in 2013 was May, when 23,888 jobs were advertised. December had the lowest number of job ads as businesses wound down before Christmas and postponed hiring until early this year.
Ms Faulding said growth was across numerous areas, particularly trades and services, which was always a strong performer. Real estate also grew, along with the property market in some New Zealand centres.
Design and architecture experienced the largest increase in jobs available across the nation with a 59% rise.
''With the onset of a growing property market in both the residential and commercial sectors, it came as no surprise design and architecture gained significant ground,'' she said.
The three top classifications in terms of greatest number of jobs available in 2013 were information and communication technology, trades and services and administration and office support roles, collectively representing more than 30% of the market.
The information and communication technology sector alone had nearly 40,000 jobs advertised last year, Ms Faulding said.
Christchurch continued to remain strong.
Consulting and strategy positions there increased by 51% and design and architecture was up nearly 73%. The most jobs available in Canterbury were in trades and services, where more than 5000 positions were advertised.
''The job market in Christchurch continues to grow and is attributed to the consistent demand for staff with varying skills and experience that can support the rebuild.''
Key results for 2013
Region Growth
Taranaki 14%
Bay of Plenty 13%
Manawatu 4%
Otago 3%
Canterbury 3%
Waikato 2%
Northland 2%
Auckland 1%
