The job market's tough, but these roles are still in high demand
One job stands out as being in particularly high demand in the tough job market.
Latest Stats NZ data shows the number of filled jobs increased 0.2% in August, with increases across the primary, manufacturing and service sectors, and across Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury.
But total jobs are still down 0.7% on a year ago, with New Zealand losing more than 10,000 construction jobs, more than 5000 professional service jobs and almost 5000 healthcare and social assistance jobs over the past year.
New data from employment platform Seek shows some jobs are still in high demand, with sales account managers the most advertised role by far.
Sales business development managers, accountants, electricians, community support workers, nurses and administrative officers are also in high demand.
Retail sales assistants, chefs and retail store managers also feature in the top 10.
Seek senior economist Blair Chapman said there was a clear need for aged care and disability workers.
“With an estimated 7.5% of Kiwis now over the age of 75, and around another 9% over the age of 65, support workers and nurses are likely to remain in-demand for some time as the demand for care from these older Kiwis grows.”
Chapman said another key factor was the resurgence in tourism, particularly the rise in Australian visitors in recent months.
“The growth in tourism is supporting demand for chefs and retail workers. Despite the overall weakness in the New Zealand economy, household consumption has continued to grow, which is also supporting demand for chefs and retail workers.”
Seek recently reported a 4% annual rise in job ads – the first year-on-year increase in almost three years.
However, applications per job have also reached a record high and advertised salaries have increased below the rate of inflation over the past year.
ASB economists have noted the recent rise in filled jobs in the Stats NZ figures reflects a downward revision of job figures from previous months.
“There is still significant spare capacity in the labour market, and it will take a concerted period of strong growth to push the unemployment rate down to the 4-4.5% goldilocks zone,” they said.
Top 10 most in-demand roles in New Zealand in 2025, based on job ad volume on Seek on September 24, 2025, and the number of job ads for each
=================================================
Sales account manager – 3533
Sales business development manager – 2568
Accountant – 2339
Electrician – 2153
Community services & development support worker – 1863
Nurse – 1854
Administration officer – 1460
Retail sales assistant – 1285
Chef – 1157
Retail store manager – 1016
=======================================================
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.1% Yes
-
46.9% No
Aucklanders, we want to know: How are you feeling about the current property market?
New Zealand homeowners are now more likely to sell at a loss than at any time since 2013, and if you’re in Auckland or Wellington, the odds are even higher.
But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
How are you feeling about the current property market?
If you’re keen to dive into the details, Deborah Morris breaks down all the latest insights.
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Loading…
