More proof New Zealand's job market is continuing to grow was released yesterday, data showing the number of jobs advertised on Trade Me Jobs rose in all regions in the three months ended June.
Last week, the ANZ Business Microscope showed small business confidence had reached record highs in Canterbury, the wider South Island and Wellington.
Hiring intentions among small businesses nudged upwards to a record high.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Christie told the Otago Daily Times Dunedin businesses were reversing a four-year trend by hiring skilled trades staff from Christchurch.
Trade Me figures showed the number of job listings nationwide rose 19% in the quarter from the previous corresponding period.
''Growth in listings had been very strong, despite the potential handbrake effect of the unusual combination of Easter and Anzac Day holidays in March and the Budget having a cooling effect on the number of jobs advertised in May,'' TradeMe Jobs head Peter Osborne said.
The lift in advertised roles in all regions was unusual. Improved economic and employment opportunities in New Zealand also contributed to the lowest ever level of migration to Australia in May.
Southland was the star performer in the quarter with a 65.6% quarterly rise in jobs advertised.
Otago had a 15.6% rise, in line with other employment measures published by retail bank economists, and was singled out by Trade Me as a ''standout performer'' along with Waikato on 24%.
Canterbury had a 20.5% rise amd Auckland had a 21.2% rise.
Mr Osborne said the demand for skilled workers was still high.
Candidates in IT, engineering, construction and legal were the most difficult to find.
''Anyone with decent skills in these areas holds the balance of power at present and they're in a great position if they are hunting for new opportunities.''
In terms of the number of jobs available, roles in trades (32%), construction (39%) and transport (29%) saw the highest rise compared with the previous corresponding period.
Average pay was flat nationally at $60,881. Pay levels holding firm was good news for employers and unexpected in a tight labour market, he said.
If demand continued to outstrip supply, wage inflation was inevitable as employers offered fatter pay packets in a bid to entice staff.
The Christchurch rebuild remained a major contributor and there was a shift in the type of demand from construction-related roles to professional and infrastructure roles.
There was no end in sight for Auckland's consistently high demand for skilled labour, he said.
