Latest figures from the Department of Labour reveal 7,583 jobs were advertised in New Zealand’s newspapers in March 2006. This is down on the 8,271 advertised in March last year but still more than the 6,042 positions advertised in March 2003.

Advertised demand fell for most types of work, although demand for IT workers (up 45%) and associate health professionals (up 26%) rose sharply.

On a regional level, growth was measured in Gisborne (21%), Waikato (18%) and Wellington (12%). The largest declines were Auckland (-32%), Nelson/Tasman (-30%), and Bay of Plenty (-8%). The vacancy trend in Auckland has gone from 20% growth in January 2005 to a 32% fall in March 2006.