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Job Vacancy Monitor - September 2006

This section contains archived information that has been retained for reference purposes. To view current reports, please go to the Labour Market Information section.

Introduction

This report presents data from the Job Vacancy Monitor (JVM) – a monthly analysis of job advertisements published in selected editions of 25 regional newspapers and on selected IT websites. It enables us to monitor the number of advertised vacancies in each occupational category over time.

The purpose of this report is to ensure regular data on vacancy trends are available to technical users. Interpretation of job vacancy trends is presented in more detail on a quarterly basis in the Department’s Skills in the Labour Market report expected to be next published at the end of November 2006.

Total Job Vacancies1

There were 6,023 advertised job vacancies measured in September 2006: 13% fewer than in the same period 12 months earlier (see Figure 1)2 . Some of the 13% decline in advertised vacancies is for technical reasons resulting from an abnormally high vacancy count measured in July 20053 . The JVM series has recorded an annual fall in vacancies since October 2005, and for the last six months this annual fall has averaged 9%.

Figure 1: Total Number of vacancies

Total number of vacancies. Click for a larger version.
Data table for Fig 1

Figure 2: Total number of vacancies, by skill level

Total number of vacancies, by skill level. Click for a larger version.
Data table for Fig 2

The decline in advertised vacancies measured by the JVM is interpreted as an easing of the labour market, or in other words, an improvement in recruiting conditions for employers. This trend has also been measured by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research's Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion (QSBO), which has shown a rapid decline in skill shortages over the past year. The consistent relationship between the JVM and QSBO is described in Appendix II in the latest Skills in the Labour Market report - August 2006 4 .

Notwithstanding the decline in newspaper advertising, there has been an expansion of positions being advertised via other media. For this reason, the Department of Labour is currently investigating the impact of both internet and community newspaper advertising on the JVM. An experimental series which will incorporate both internet and newspaper vacancies is being developed.

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All data between November 2002 and February 2005 has been revised.

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Table 1: Total monthly job vacancies, by occupation, September 2006
occupation No. of vacancies Sep 2003* No. of vacancies Sep 2004* No. of vacancies Sep 2005* No. of vacancies Sep 2006* % change 03-06 % change 05-06 Share of vacancies Sep 2006
Legislators, Administrators and Managers 371 391 489 489 32% 0% 8%
Professionals 568 748 836 743 31% -11% 12%
Science, Architecture and Engineering 135 190 155 153 14% -1% 3%
Health 95 158 200 155 62% -23% 3%
Teaching 130 126 142 144 11% 1% 2%
Accountants and Auditors 80 90 116 99 24% -15% 2%
Business and Legal 80 123 131 118 48% -10% 2%
Other Professionals 49 60 92 75 53% -19% 1%
Highly Skilled subtotal 939 1139 1325 1232 31% -7% 20%
Technicians and Associate Professionals 805 1032 939 780 -3% -17% 13%
Physical Science and Engineering 116 155 161 143 23% -11% 2%
Health 127 60 63 36 -71% -42% 1%
Finance and Sales 328 483 367 320 -2% -13% 5%
Social Work 38 46 57 48 26% -15% 1%
Other Technicians and Associate Professionals 196 287 291 232 18% -20% 4%
Trades 795 812 751 626 -21% -17% 10%
Building 315 286 264 234 -26% -11% 4%
Electrical and Electronics 94 108 96 86 -9% -11% 1%
Metal and Machinery 247 278 265 207 -16% -22% 3%
Printing 28 27 23 14 -49% -38% 0%
Food 20 20 20 22 14% 12% 0%
Furniture and Textiles 41 40 36 26 -37% -28% 0%
Other Trades 51 53 48 37 -28% -23% 1%
Skilled subtotal 1601 1844 1690 1406 -12% -17% 23%
Clerks 941 1120 1086 874 -7% -20% 15%
Service and Sales 1173 1296 1328 1195 2% -10% 20%
Restaurant Services 438 490 492 467 6% -5% 8%
Hairdressers and Beauty Therapists 80 84 92 79 -2% -15% 1%
Salespersons and Demonstrators 408 442 448 393 -4% -12% 7%
Other Service and Sales 246 280 295 257 4% -13% 4%
Agriculture and Fishery Workers 268 272 299 295 10% -1% 5%
Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers 463 588 632 530 14% -16% 9%
Operators and Assemblers 202 263 280 240 19% -14% 4%
Drivers and Mobile Machinery Operators 216 270 304 245 13% -19% 4%
Building 46 54 49 45 -1% -7% 1%
Elementary Workers 357 447 486 415 16% -15% 7%
Semi-skilled/elementary subtotal 3202 3722 3831 3309 3% -14% 55%
Not classifiable 137 78 84 75 -45% -11% 1%
Total 5879 6783 6930 6023 2% -13% 100%
Source: Department of Labour. * = Figures shown are three-month averages to September of each year.

The number of highly skilled job vacancies5 in September 2006 (1,232) was 7% lower than the level one year earlier (see Figure 2). This decline is in sharp contrast to an average annual growth of 20% in this category over the first three-quarters of 2005. Table 1 shows that vacancies for legislators, administrators and managers were at the same level as a year ago. Within the professionals category, marginal growth in vacancies of 1% was measured for teaching professionals, but all other professional sub-groups recorded declines.

The number of skilled job vacancies6 decreased by 17% to 1,406 in September 2006 compared to the level 12 months earlier. April 2005 was the last time skilled job vacancies showed growth. Technicians and associate professionals experienced a 17% fall in vacancies in September 2006, with all sub-groups within this category recording declines. Trades workers also recorded a 17% decrease in vacancies in September 2006. All trade sub-groups recorded declines in vacancies in September 2006 compared with a year earlier, with the exception of food trades, which showed 12% growth in September 2006.

The number of semi-skilled/elementary vacancies7 decreased by 14% to 3,309 in the 12 months to September 2006. A decline in such vacancies has been recorded every month since October 2005. Clerks (-20%), service and sales (-10%), agriculture and fishery workers (-1%), plant and machine operators and assemblers (-16%), and elementary workers (-15%) all recorded falls in vacancies in September 2006 compared to a year ago.

Otago (12%) was the only region that experienced vacancy growth in September 2006 compared to 12 months earlier. Taranaki maintained the same level as a year ago, while all other regions recorded declines in vacancies. The regions showing the largest declines in vacancies were: Auckland (-25%), Wellington (-18%) and Southland (-14%).

Figure 3: Change in vacancies, by region, September 2006

Change of vacancies, by region. Click for a larger version.
Data table for Fig 3

Information Technology (IT) Vacancies

The number of IT vacancies reached 1,213 in September 20068 - the highest level recorded since the series began in 2003. There were 21% more IT vacancies in September 2006 than in the same month in 2005 (see Figure 4). National growth in IT vacancies has slowed off a peak of over 100% in February 2005. Figure 5 shows that IT vacancy growth in September 2006 was strongest in Christchurch (37%), with Auckland and Wellington recording 28% and 11% growth respectively.

Figure 4: Number of IT vacancies

Number of IT vacancies. Click for larger version.
Data table for Fig 4

Figure 5: Number of IT vacancies, by region

Number of IT vacancies, by region. Click for larger version.
Data table for Fig 5

High Vacancy and Growth Occupations

Below is a list of occupations which have the highest number of vacancies (high vacancy occupations), and those occupations which have shown the highest growth in advertised vacancies in terms of percentage change (top percentage growth occupations) and numerical change (top numeric growth occupations) in New Zealand as well as in each region.

The number of vacancies is measured as the total number of vacancies advertised in the 12 months to September 2006. The growth in vacancies compares the number of advertised vacancies in the 12 months to September 2006 with the previous 12 months. Percentage growth figures are only included if at least 24 vacancies occurred in the year to September 2005. Numeric growth figures are only included if vacancy growth in the year to September 2006 measured at least 10.

New Zealand High Vacancy and Growth Occupations - All Vacancies
Table 2: New Zealand: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations Growth (%) Top Numeric Growth Occupations Growth
1 Sales Assistant 4633 Pumping-Station Operator 144% Fruit Grower, Worker 238
2 General Clerk 2309 Weighing and Tally Clerk 144% Demonstrator (Sales) 224
3 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 2049 Postal Deliverer 123% Bank Officer 212
4 Care Giver 1981 Bank Officer 101% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 211
5 Cleaner 1823 Roading Engineer 84% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 180
6 Sales Representative 1795 Milk and Other Dairy Products Maker 72% Care Giver 176
7 Chef 1555 Market Gardener and Related Worker 69% Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 108
8 Waiter 1538 Demonstrator (Sales) 62% Cleaner 103
9 Registered Nurse 1530 Other Health Associate Professional 59% Light Truck or Van Driver 96
10 Secretary 1499 Psychologist 57% Restaurant or Tavern Manager 89
11 General Labourer 1470 Electrician Apprentice 55% Child Care Worker 77
12 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 1352 Horse Trainer, Groom or Stable Hand 54% Courier and Deliverer 69
13 Carpenter and/or Joiner 1215 Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 51% Kitchenhand 67
14 Catering Counter Assistant 1160 Legal Executive 47% Sports Coach or Trainer 62
15 Accounts Clerk 1096 Restaurant or Tavern Manager 46% Teacher Aide 58
16 Administration Manager 1033 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 44% Weighing and Tally Clerk 56
17 Accountant 1009 Costing Clerk 43% Senior Education Manager 47
18 Heavy Truck or Tanker Driver 922 National Park Ranger 42% Health Assistant 46
19 Light Truck or Van Driver 893 Fire Alarm Technician 42% Quantity Surveyor 45
20 Retail Manager 857 Careers, Transition, Employment Adviser 42% Information Services Administrator 45
Source: Department of Labour.

Table 3: New Zealand: Total vacancies and growth in highly skilled occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Registered Nurse 1530 Roading Engineer 84% Restaurant or Tavern Manager 89
2 Administration Manager 1033 Psychologist 57% Senior Education Manager 47
3 Accountant 1009 Restaurant or Tavern Manager 46% Information Services Administrator 45
4 Retail Manager 857 Construction Manager 38% Auditor 44
5 University /Higher Edu Lecturer / Tutor 610 Special-Interest Organisation Administrator 37% Construction Manager 38
6 Sales and/or Marketing Manager 572 Auditor 34% Psychologist 35
7 Early Childhood Teacher 567 Public Health and District Nurse 32% Property Manager 30
8 Policy Analyst 410 Senior Education Manager 29% Roading Engineer 27
9 Primary School Teacher 326 Property Manager 28% Secondary School Teacher 27
10 Secondary School Teacher 319 Counsellor 28% Counsellor 27
Source: Department of Labour.
Table 4: New Zealand: Total vacancies and growth in skilled occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Representative 1795 Other Health Associate Professional 59% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 211
2 Carpenter and/or Joiner 1215 Electrician Apprentice 55% Sports Coach or Trainer 62
3 Technical Representative 707 Legal Executive 47% Teacher Aide 58
4 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 688 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 44% Quantity Surveyor 45
5 Electrician 663 National Park Ranger 42% Singing and Music Teacher 35
6 Social Worker 604 Fire Alarm Technician 42% Heating, Ven.and Refri. Mechanic 34
7 Draughting Technician 588 Careers, Transition, Employment Adviser 42% Builder (Including Contractor) 33
8 Motor Mechanic 585 Other Electronics Engineering Technician 41% Draughting Technician 32
9 Machinery Mechanic 575 Teacher Aide 39% Other Health Associate Professional 32
10 Builder (Including Contractor) 550 Other Medical Equipment Controller 35% Avionics Technician 27

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 5: New Zealand: Total vacancies and growth in semi-skilled/elementary occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 4633 Pumping-Station Operator 144% Fruit Grower, Worker 238
2 General Clerk 2309 Weighing and Tally Clerk 144% Demonstrator (Sales) 224
3 Information Clerk Receptionist 2049 Postal Deliverer 123% Bank Officer 212
4 Care Giver 1981 Bank Officer 101% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 180
5 Cleaner 1823 Milk and Other Dairy Products Maker 72% Care Giver 176
6 Chef 1555 Market Gardener and Related Worker 69% Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 108
7 Waiter 1538 Demonstrator (Sales) 62% Cleaner 103
8 Secretary 1499 Horse Trainer, Groom or Stable Hand 54% Light Truck or Van Driver 96
9 General Labourer 1470 Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 51% Child Care Worker 77
10 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 1352 Costing Clerk 43% Courier and Deliverer 69

Source: Department of Labour.

Regional High Vacancy and Growth Occupations
Table 6: Auckland: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 1363 Bank Officer 465% Bank Officer 228
2 Sales Representative 893 Heating, Ventilation & Refrigeration Mechanic 100% Light Truck or Van Driver 142
3 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 777 Costing Clerk 100% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 68
4 Secretary 667 Light Truck or Van Driver 98% Demonstrator (Sales) 52
5 General Clerk 644 Demonstrator (Sales) 70% Auditor 46
6 Accountant 497 Auditor 60% Costing Clerk 36
7 Dispatch and Receiving Clerk 490 Transport Electrician 48% Heating, Ven. and Refri. Mechanic 32
8 Chef 461 Glazier 42% Paper Products Machine Operator 21
9 Accounts Clerk 403 Legal Executive 36% Careers, Transition, Employment Adviser 16
10 Waiter 387 Paper Products Machine Operator 34% Information Services Administrator 16
11 Telephone Switchboard Operator 336 Other Catering Services Manager 31% Quantity Surveyor 15
12 Retail Manager 304 Other Electronics Engineering Technician 29% Other Catering Services Manager 15
13 Catering Counter Assistant 294 Quantity Surveyor 28% Automated Machine Operator 13
14 Light Truck or Van Driver 287 Property Manager 22% Transport Electrician 13
15 Bank Officer 277 Restaurant or Tavern Manager 18% Checkout Operator 12
16 Administration Manager 275 Senior Education Manager 14% Legal Executive 12
17 Heavy Truck or Tanker Driver 270 Pipe Fitter 13% Library Assistant 11
18 Draughting Technician 242 Human Resources Manager 13% Postal Deliverer 11
19 Sales and/or Marketing Manager 242 Financial Adviser 10% Glazier 11
20 Insurance Representative 233 - - Restaurant or Tavern manager 11

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 7: Bay of Plenty: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Fruit Grower, Worker 524 Fruit Grower, Worker 86% Fruit Grower, Worker 243
2 Care Giver 294 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 86% Care Giver 94
3 Sales Assistant 289 Builder (Including Contractor) 77% Weighing and Tally Clerk 49
4 Cleaner 219 Horse Trainer, Groom or Stable Hand 76% Builder (Including Contractor) 37
5 General Clerk 195 Painter, Decorator and/or Paperhanger 74% Horse Trainer, Groom or Stable Hand 32
6 Packer 158 Light Truck or Van Driver 73% Courier and Deliverer 31
7 General Labourer 139 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 47% Packer 30
8 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 123 Care Giver 47% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 30
9 Waiter 120 Courier and Deliverer 46% Light Truck or Van Driver 27
10 Carpenter and/or Joiner 120 Retail Manager 30% Painter, Decorator and/or Paperhanger 25

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 8: Canterbury: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 770 Teacher Aide 90% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 77
2 General Labourer 433 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 89% Cleaner 49
3 Cleaner 430 Restaurant or Tavern Manager 77% Registered Nurse 45
4 Care Giver 415 Business Services Representative 52% Administration Manager 40
5 Registered Nurse 387 Quantity Surveyor 46% Kitchenhand 35
6 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 317 Administration Manager 39% Accountant 34
7 Carpenter and/or Joiner 299 Accountant 39% Painter, Decorator and/or Paperhanger 30
8 General Clerk 294 Shepherd or Musterer 36% Health Assistant 29
9 Chef 283 Computer Applications Engineer 33% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 27
10 Waiter 269 Sales and/or Marketing Manager 29% Teacher Aide 27
11 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 266 Checkout Operator 29% Accounts Clerk 26
12 Catering Counter Assistant 237 Office Manager 27% Slaughterer 26
13 Packer 217 Kitchenhand 26% Advertising and Public Relations Manager 25
14 Sales Representative 217 Retail Manager 25% Restaurant or Tavern Manager 24
15 Builder's Labourer 173 Sports Coach or Trainer 24% Retail Manager 23
16 Kitchenhand 172 Concrete Worker 24% Care Giver 22
17 Light Truck or Van Driver 167 Data Entry Operator 23% Sales and/or Marketing Manager 22
18 Heavy Truck or Tanker Driver 166 Painter, Decorator and/or Paperhanger 23% Policy Analyst 21
19 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 164 Metal Caster 23% Waiter 20
20 Painter, Decorator and/or Paperhanger 160 Accounts Clerk 20% Sports Coach or Trainer 19

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 9: Gisborne: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Forest Hand 51 Sales Assistant 27% Social Worker 15
2 Sales Assistant 47 - - Fruit Grower, Worker 12
3 General Clerk 26 - - University & Higher Edu Lecturer and/or Tutor 12
4 Fruit Grower, Worker 25 - - Loader and/or Checker 11
5 Care Giver 24 - - Care Giver 10
6 Social Worker 22 - - Sales Assistant 10
7 University/ Higher Edu Lecturer /Tutor 17 - - - -
8 Cleaner 16 - - - -
9 Packer 16 - - - -
10 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 13 - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 10: Hawke's Bay: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Fruit Grower, Worker 144 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 157% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 44
2 Sales Assistant 128 Carpenter and/or Joiner 53% Logger 26
3 Care Giver 100 Care Giver 32% Care Giver 24
4 General Clerk 78 Loader and/or Checker 29% Carpenter and/or Joiner 21
5 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 72 Stock Clerk 16% Early Childhood Teacher 19
6 Cleaner 67 - - Child Care Worker 15
7 Carpenter and/or Joiner 61 - - Fruit Grower, Worker 13
8 Heavy Truck or Tanker Driver 52 - - Slaughterer 12
9 Waiter 49 - - Housekeeper (Private Service) 11
10 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 45 - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 11: Manawatu-Wanganui: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 260 Courier and Deliverer 42% Sales Assistant 65
2 Care Giver 182 Sales Assistant 33% Care Giver 35
3 Registered Nurse 111 Technical Representative 28% Telephone Switchboard Operator 21
4 General Clerk 105 Care Giver 24% Slaughterer 17
5 Cleaner 86 Retail Manager 13% Courier and Deliverer 15
6 Technical Representative 68 - - Technical Representative 15
7 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 63 - - Principal Nurse 15
8 General Labourer 59 - - Secondary School Teacher 15
9 Social Worker 59 - - Teacher Aide 12
10 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 56 - - Cashier 11

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 12: Marlborough: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Grape Grower and/or Wine Maker, Worker 67 Waiter 29% Secretary 12
2 Cleaner 56 Sales Assistant 16% Fruit Grower, Worker 12
3 Sales Assistant 52 Cleaner 14% Cook 10
4 Waiter 36 - - - -
5 Forest Hand 30 - - - -
6 Bartender 26 - - - -
7 Cook 24 - - - -
8 Care Giver 23 - - - -
9 General Clerk 22 - - - -
10 Fruit Grower, Worker 19 - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 13: Nelson: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Care Giver 109 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 62% Cleaner 32
2 Cleaner 104 Cleaner 44% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 16
3 Sales Assistant 99 General Clerk 28% General Clerk 14
4 General Clerk 64 Hairdresser 12% Draughting Technician 14
5 Registered Nurse 48 - - Early Childhood Teacher 13
6 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 42 - - Fork-Lift Operator 12
7 Fruit Grower, Worker 37 - - Secretary 10
8 Hairdresser 28 - - Welder and Flame-Cutter 10
9 Courier and Deliverer 28 - - - -
10 Chef 27 - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 14: Northland: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 163 Cleaner 37% Courier and Deliverer 29
2 Care Giver 72 Chef 33% Kitchenhand 17
3 General Clerk 65 Waiter 19% Demonstrator (Sales) 17
4 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 65 Sales Representative 18% Cleaner 13
5 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 48 Accounts Clerk 17% Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 12
6 Cleaner 48 Catering Counter Assistant 17% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 11
7 Sales Representative 46 - - Forecourt Attendant 10
8 Registered Nurse 38 - - - -
9 Waiter 37 - - - -
10 Courier and Deliverer 37 - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 15: Otago: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 284 Hairdresser 118% Care Giver 97
2 Care Giver 247 Courier and Deliverer 92% Sales Assistant 66
3 General Clerk 125 Waiter 84% Hairdresser 33
4 General Labourer 119 Care Giver 65% Waiter 31
5 Registered Nurse 111 Electrician 61% Sports Coach or Trainer 25
6 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 105 Sheet-Metal Worker 56% Courier and Deliverer 24
7 Cleaner 94 Kitchenhand 51% Electrician 23
8 Carpenter and/or Joiner 83 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 40% Kitchenhand 20
9 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 79 Catering Counter Assistant 36% Security Officer 19
10 University /Higher Edu Lecturer /Tutor 78 Cook 32% Restaurant or Tavern Manager 16

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 16: Southland: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 262 General Clerk 15% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 22
2 Sales Assistant 99 - - Cattle Farmer, Cattle Farm Worker 22
3 General Clerk 63 - - Passenger Coach Driver 21
4 Care Giver 61 - - Sampling Officer 20
5 Mixed Livestock / Farm Worker 48 - - Welder and Flame-Cutter 16
6 General Labourer 37 - - - -
7 Cattle Farmer, Cattle Farm Worker 36 - - - -
8 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 34 - - - -
9 Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 34 - - - -
10 Passenger Coach Driver 28 - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 17: Taranaki: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 136 Waiter 56% Courier and Deliverer 38
2 Sales Assistant 92 Care Giver 29% Child Care Worker 22
3 Care Giver 90 Carpenter and/or Joiner 25% Care Giver 20
4 Courier and Deliverer 60 - - Telephone Switchboard Operator 18
5 Registered Nurse 56 - - Waiter 18
6 General Clerk 51 - - Builder (Including Contractor) 18
7 Waiter 50 - - Retail Manager 16
8 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 42 - - Painter, Decorator and/or Paperhanger 14
9 Builder (Including Contractor) 40 - - Sports Coach or Trainer 13
10 Cleaner 38 - - Accountant 10

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 18: Tasman: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 34 - - Cleaner 13
2 Fruit Grower, Worker 30 - - - -
3 Cleaner 27 - - - -
4 General Clerk 11 - - - -
5 Chef 11 - - - -
6 Courier and Deliverer 11 - - - -
7 Care Giver 10 - - - -
8 Packer 10 - - - -
9 - - - - - -
10 - - - - - -

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 19: Waikato: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 379 Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 333% Crop and Livestock Farmer, Worker 80
2 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 266 Technical Representative 117% Sales Assistant 77
3 General Clerk 202 Demonstrator (Sales) 88% Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 59
4 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 191 Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 55% Technical Representative 48
5 Registered Nurse 133 Packer 50% Real Estate Agent/Property Consultant 40
6 Cleaner 130 Loader and/or Checker 50% Packer 30
7 General Labourer 126 Bartender 45% Fitter and Turner 26
8 Care Giver 125 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 45% Accounts Clerk 24
9 Sales Representative 117 Builder (Including Contractor) 42% Registered Nurse 24
10 Chef 116 Kitchenhand 39% General Clerk 23

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 20: Wellington: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 540 Demonstrator (Sales) 198% Cleaner 87
2 General Clerk 348 Information Technology Manager 142% Demonstrator (Sales) 83
3 Waiter 317 Social Scientist 117% Human Resources Officer 53
4 Policy Analyst 312 Electrician 85% Child Care Worker 50
5 Secretary 296 Human Resources Officer 82% Builder's Labourer 43
6 Information Clerk & Other Receptionist 294 Computer Applications Engineer 74% General Labourer 41
7 Chef 283 Restaurant or Tavern Manager 71% Electrician 40
8 Registered Nurse 273 Bank Officer 69% Waiter 38
9 Administration Manager 261 Training and Development Officer 66% Draughting Technician 37
10 Cleaner 221 Cleaner 65% Cook 34
11 Catering Counter Assistant 219 Primary School Teacher 61% Information Technology Manager 34
12 Sales Representative 217 Other Civil Engineering Technician 59% Social Scientist 34
13 General Labourer 216 Sports Coach or Trainer 56% Computer Applications Engineer 29
14 Care Giver 168 Baker 51% Policy Analyst 28
15 Carpenter and/or Joiner 165 Child Care Worker 50% Training and Development Officer 27
16 Kitchenhand 154 Typist and Word Processor Operator 48% Other Civil Engineering Technician 22
17 Child Care Worker 151 Builder's Labourer 47% Enrolled Nurse 22
18 Accounts Clerk 144 Barrister and Solicitor 47% Restaurant or Tavern Manager 22
19 Builder's Labourer 134 Cook 41% Other Medical Equipment Controller 21
20 Draughting Technician 128 Draughting Technician 41% Builder (Including Contractor) 21

Source: Department of Labour.

Table 21: West Coast: Total vacancies and growth in all occupations in the 12 months to September 2006
Rank High Vacancy Occupations No. of vacancies Top Percentage Growth Occupations % Growth Top Numeric Growth Occupations Numeric Growth
1 Sales Assistant 34 Cleaner 10% Cook 17
2 Dairy Farmer, Dairy Farm Worker 33 - - Machinery Mechanic 14
3 Cleaner 33 - - Sales Assistant 13
4 Chef 25 - - Welder and Flame-Cutter 11
5 Waiter 25 - - Geologist 11
6 Cook 24 - - - -
7 Machinery Mechanic 23 - - - -
8 General Clerk 16 - - - -
9 Catering Counter Assistant 16 - - - -
10 Care Giver 15 - - - -
Source: Department of Labour.

Endnotes

1 The ‘total’ number of advertised job vacancies relates to the total number appearing in the JVM sample, rather than the total number of advertisements placed in all editions of all newspapers. See the explanatory notes for further details.

2 The job vacancy counts are based on a three month moving average.

3 This is largely ascribed to the staging of a rugby test match in Wellington against the British and Irish Lions on the July 2005 reference weekend. A large number of job advertisements, especially for highly skilled positions, were directed at Lions supporters.

4 See http://www.dol.govt.nz/publications/lmr/lmr-Skills.asp.

5 The ‘Highly Skilled’ category includes: managerial and professional occupations.

6 The ‘Skilled’ category includes: technicians & associate professionals, and trade occupations.

7 The ‘Semi-Skilled/Elementary’ category includes: clerical, agriculture and fishery, services and sales, operator/assembler, and elementary occupations.


8 The IT vacancy counts are based on average weekly data for the month.

Explanatory notes

The monthly total vacancy counts are each based on analysis of job advertisements from a single edition of 25 major newspapers around New Zealand . The analysis of job ads occurs once per month on the main advertising day for each newspaper (usually a Saturday). Duplicate ads are removed from the counts. The total vacancy counts are, therefore, effectively a sample of at most a quarter of all advertisements placed in newspapers each month around the country.

All job advertisements are coded to detailed occupational categories using the New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1999 (Statistics New Zealand). The data published are trend data based on a 3-month moving average. Data are not seasonally adjusted.

The IT vacancy counts are based on a weekly count of IT positions advertised on two websites: Seek IT and Jobstuff. Data are collected each Friday and include only those vacancies lodged within the seven days prior to counting. A monthly estimate of IT job advertisements is calculated by averaging weekly data. IT positions may be advertised on more than one site, so movements may exaggerate actual changes in demand and supply. Data are not seasonally adjusted. Changes were made to the Jobstuff website in July 2005 which impacted on the number of vacancies advertised on this site. The IT vacancy count was adjusted in September 2005 to reflect this impact. Further details can be obtained on request from the Department of Labour.

More information

Further data, methodological notes, and conceptual explanations can be obtained from the Department of Labour website at www.dol.govt.nz/jvm/

Information on the New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations 1999 can be found on the Statistics New Zealand website: www.stats.govt.nz.

Contact person:

Philip Spier: phone (04) 915-4063 (philip.spier@dol.govt.nz )

Department of Labour

PO Box 3705 , Wellington , New Zealand

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