The transport sector has remained steady for the month of July, as New Zealand’s job market shows signs of recovery following five consecutive months of decline.

According to the SEEK NZ Employment Report for July, job ads rose for the first time since January, increasing 3% month on month. Applications per job ad were up 7% month on month.

Consulting & Strategy was the only industry where job ads declined in July, down 7%. Some industries, such as Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics and Administration & Office Support recorded no change m/m.

Regionally, Bay of Plenty recorded the largest increase in overall job ads in July, up 16%.

“While it is pleasing to see an increase in job ad volumes, this comes after five months of consecutive declines, including an 8% fall in June,” said Rob Clark, country manager SEEK NZ.

“As seasonal industries that are prone to fluctuation, the rise in volumes in Retail & Consumer Products and Hospitality & Tourism may be a sign of businesses preparing for busier seasons.”

“In some of the larger regions, including Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Wellington, July saw the largest monthly rise in job ads in over two years,” he said.

“What hasn’t changed this month is the fierce competition among candidates, which shows no sign of abating.”

There was an increase in ad volumes for the first time since January, up 3% from June, after an 8% fall the month prior. July’s rise was driven by increased demand in most regions, and in all but one industry (Consulting & Strategy, -7%).

Applications per job ad increased another 7% in June, the greatest rise since January, demonstrating greater competition within the already candidate-heavy employers’ market.

All but three regions recorded an increase in job ad volumes in July: Southland (-12%), Tasman (-4%), and Gisborne (-1%).

Bay of Plenty recorded the largest monthly rise, with job ads up 16% from June, the largest monthly growth the region has recorded in over three years. The second largest rise was recorded in Manawatu (10%).

Wellington’s 4% rise and Auckland’s 3%, though more subdued, were also the largest monthly jumps these regions had recorded in over two years.

Demand among candidates was spread across most regions, with a 15% increase in applications per job ad in Hawkes Bay, 10% in Canterbury and 7% in Auckland.