Jobs up 22 per cent in the Bay

The number of jobs in the Bay of Plenty are up 22.2 per cent on the same time last year, according to Trade Me Job listings.

Nationally the job market is proving robust with advertised vacancies up 12.3 per cent on a year ago, according to an analysis of 46,000 roles on Trade Me Jobs over the quarter.

Head of Trade Me Jobs Pete Ashby said underlying confidence was surprisingly strong.
"We've seen the market rebound to double digit growth. The Canterbury rebuilding efforts continue to underpin this growth, but most segments appear in good heart."

Overall the top three sectors in terms of growth compared to a year ago were construction and architecture (up 94 per cent), healthcare (up 49.9 per cent) and agriculture, fisheries and forestry (up 36.7 per cent).

Mr Ashby said he expected growth in the healthcare sector, noting that the country's aging population implied an increasing demand for staff in the industry.

"In particular we've noticed a rise in demand for nurses and midwifes, up 81 per cent on a year earlier."

On the flipside, listings in human resources and recruitment have sunk by 24 per cent.