Key Takeaways
- Gain insights into New Zealand’s 2025 labor market, including employment trends, sector-specific hiring, and workforce dynamics.
- Understand key statistics on wages, job vacancies, unemployment rates, and emerging talent demands for informed HR strategies.
- Leverage data-driven trends to optimize recruitment, workforce planning, and organizational growth in a competitive job market.
The labor market in New Zealand is experiencing significant transformations as the country heads into 2025, shaped by evolving economic conditions, technological advancements, demographic shifts, and global workforce trends. For business leaders, HR professionals, and policymakers, staying informed about the latest hiring patterns, labor statistics, and workforce dynamics is no longer optional—it is essential. The insights drawn from reliable labor data not only illuminate the current employment landscape but also provide predictive indicators that can influence strategic workforce planning, recruitment practices, and organizational growth.
In 2025, New Zealand’s labor market reflects a complex interplay between skills demand, unemployment fluctuations, sectoral growth, and talent mobility. From emerging industries such as technology and renewable energy to established sectors like agriculture, tourism, and healthcare, employers are navigating a competitive environment where attracting and retaining qualified talent is increasingly challenging. By analyzing a comprehensive range of hiring and labor statistics, businesses can identify recruitment bottlenecks, understand wage trends, and anticipate workforce shortages, allowing them to implement more effective human resource strategies.
This extensive compilation of 67 key hiring and labor statistics, data points, and trends in New Zealand for 2025 offers a panoramic view of the employment ecosystem. It examines workforce demographics, unemployment rates, job vacancies, sector-specific hiring trends, and shifts in employee expectations, including the rising influence of remote work and flexible employment arrangements. Additionally, it highlights the impact of international labor migration, changes in labor laws, and government policies on employment patterns. These insights equip organizations to make data-driven decisions, optimize talent acquisition processes, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic labor market.
By providing an in-depth analysis of hiring trends and workforce metrics, this report serves as an indispensable resource for recruiters, HR managers, economists, and business strategists. Whether planning for workforce expansion, evaluating compensation benchmarks, or understanding labor supply constraints, stakeholders can leverage these insights to shape actionable strategies. Moreover, the data underscores broader societal and economic implications, offering a lens through which policymakers and industry leaders can assess workforce readiness, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.
In a market characterized by rapid technological adoption, shifting employee priorities, and global economic uncertainties, having access to comprehensive, up-to-date labor statistics is crucial. This blog aims to equip readers with the knowledge required to navigate the complexities of New Zealand’s labor market in 2025, providing a thorough understanding of the hiring landscape, workforce composition, and emerging trends that will influence both organizational success and national economic resilience.
Top 67 Hiring and Labor Statistics, Data & Trends in New Zealand for 2025
Key Labour Market Indicators
- As of June 2025, the official unemployment rate in New Zealand stood at 5.2%, indicating that just over one in twenty members of the labor force were without a job but actively seeking employment.
- The total number of people classified as unemployed in June 2025 reached approximately 158,000 individuals, which represents an increase of 16,000 unemployed persons compared to the same period a year prior.
- When considering the broader measure of labor underutilization— which includes those unemployed, those underemployed (working fewer hours than they would like), and potential workers who are not currently active in the labor force—the rate rose to 12.8%, reflecting lingering underemployment challenges.
- The employment rate in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025 was recorded at 66.8%, marking a slight decline from 67.1% registered in the first quarter (Q1), suggesting a small decrease in the proportion of working-age people who held jobs.
- The labor force participation rate, denoting the percentage of the working-age population either employed or actively seeking employment, was measured at 70.5% in Q2 2025.
- The Job Vacancy Index, which gauges the availability of advertised positions relative to previous quarters, dropped to 144.3 points in Q2 2025 from 150.6 points in Q1, indicating a modest contraction in job vacancies.
Wage and Income Data
- In June 2025, the average hourly wage earned by workers in New Zealand was NZ$43.47, reflecting prevailing pay levels across various industries and roles.
- Workers employed in the manufacturing sector received an average hourly wage of NZ$40.02, which is marginally below the national average but indicative of the sector’s compensation trends.
- The Living Wage, which is the estimated rate required to cover basic living costs, was set to increase by 4.2% annually, reaching NZ$28.95 per hour starting September 2025.
- The country’s statutory minimum wage was adjusted as of April 1, 2025, to NZ$23.50 per hour, establishing the legal baseline remuneration for all workers eligible for minimum wage.
- For the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, effective from August 2025, the median wage threshold that employers must meet to hire migrant workers was set at NZ$33.56 per hour.
- Annual wage inflation measured at 2.2% in June 2025, indicating a slowdown compared to the previous year’s rate of 4.3% in June 2024, reflecting moderated increases in salary levels.
- Public sector employees experienced wage growth of 4.2% over the year ending March 2025, showing stronger pay rises compared to the private sector.
- In contrast, private sector wage growth was more modest, recorded at 2.6% for the same annual period ending March 2025.
- Since 2018, cumulative wage growth in the public service has totaled 21.4%, representing significant aggregate pay increases over recent years.
Employment Types and Sector Breakdown
- The number of full-time employed individuals in New Zealand increased slightly by 2,000 in the second quarter of 2025, reaching a total of 2,295,000 persons engaged in full-time jobs.
- Conversely, part-time employment declined by 8,000 in Q2 2025, resulting in 584,000 people employed in part-time positions during this period.
- Overall, the total number of employed persons as of June 2025 was recorded at 2,882,000, reflecting the aggregate workforce participation.
- Filled jobs, which indicate positions currently occupied, numbered approximately 2.34 million in June 2025; this figure fell by 27,850 in the 12 months since June 2024.
- Employment within the manufacturing sector decreased by 6,300 jobs year-on-year, leaving 245,800 workers employed in this sector as of June 2025.
- Similarly, the primary industries, which include agriculture, forestry, and fishing, saw a reduction of 5,200 employees year-on-year, resulting in 161,700 workers employed in these areas.
- The construction industry faced significant job losses totaling 12,169 fewer positions in June 2025 compared to the previous year, representing a 6% decline in sectoral employment.
- Professional, scientific, and technical services collectively lost 5,150 jobs during the same period, equivalent to a 2.7% reduction in employment within these knowledge-intensive industries.
- Administrative and support service jobs shrank by 4,860 positions, marking a 4.7% decrease year-on-year up to June 2025.
Regional Labour Market
- Auckland, the country’s largest metropolitan area, recorded the highest regional unemployment rate at 6.4% in the second quarter of 2025, indicating greater labor market challenges relative to other regions.
- By contrast, the Otago region boasted the lowest unemployment rate at 2.6% during the same quarter, reflecting a relatively tight labor market with fewer jobless individuals.
- The employment rate in Otago was notably strong at 73.8%, signifying that nearly three-quarters of working-age residents were employed.
- Auckland remained the busiest employment hub with a total of 995,600 individuals employed in June 2025, underscoring its central role in the national economy.
Demographic Labor Statistics
- Youth unemployment, defined as the share of unemployed 15-24-year-olds within this age group, was considerably higher than the national average at 12.9% in Q2 2025.
- The proportion of young people not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET) was 12.2%, revealing a group potentially at risk of longer-term labor market detachment.
- Employment among youth aged 15 to 24 years was measured at 53.1% in June 2025, showing just over half of young people holding jobs.
- The participation rate for youth, which includes those either working or actively seeking work, was 62.3%, indicating gaps between labor market engagement and full employment.
- The number of young people enrolled in formal education or training programs increased by 5% year-on-year, reaching 379,900 individuals aged 15-24, highlighting educational engagement trends.
- Job losses were most pronounced among younger age groups, with employment for those aged 15-19 declining by 9.6% compared to the previous year.
- Similarly, 20-24-year-olds faced job reductions of 3.5% year-on-year.
- The 25-29 age group experienced a 4.2% decrease in employment compared to the year before.
Migration and Workforce Trends
- New Zealand recorded a net migration gain of 27,100 people during the year 2024, meaning that more people arrived in the country than departed.
- The total number of migrants who arrived in 2024 was 155,800, reflecting ongoing interest from overseas workers and residents.
- Meanwhile, 128,700 migrants departed New Zealand in the same year, contributing to the net gain figure.
- More than 26,000 businesses across the country had obtained accreditation to employ migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system.
- Since the introduction of the AEWV scheme in July 2022, a total of 140,257 work visas had been issued by August 2025 to foreign nationals filling labor market needs.
- The top source countries for migrants continued to be India, the Philippines, and China, reflecting enduring migration patterns.
Gender Workplace Statistics
- In 2025, the Public Service workforce was composed predominantly of women, who made up 61.9% of employees, while men represented 37.2%, and the remaining 0.6% identified as other or multiple genders.
- As of 2024, women held 56.7% of senior management roles within various sectors, signaling progress toward gender balance in leadership positions.
- The gender pay gap, which measures the difference between median earnings, was 8.2% as of June 2024, with women earning on average 92 cents for every dollar earned by men.
- On the political front, New Zealand maintained a global lead in gender parity within Parliament, with women representing 60.4% of parliamentary seats as of 2025.
- Data collection on gender-based pay and workforce participation was robust in 2025, with 97% of public sector organisations, 89% of private sector firms, and 87% of not-for-profit organisations systematically gathering gender-related employment data.
Job Search, Applications, & Recruitment Trends
- Job advertisements posted in January 2025 saw an increase of 5% in the number of applications received per posting month-on-month, according to SEEK recruitment platform data.
- During the same month, job applications submitted via Trade Me surged by 54% compared to December 2024, indicating heightened job seeker activity.
- Members of Generation Z were found to be three times more likely to switch jobs in 2025 than their Baby Boomer counterparts, reflecting generational differences in labor market behavior.
- Approximately 41% of workers reported leaving previous jobs in search of better work-life balance, underscoring the growing importance of non-monetary job factors.
- A significant 67% of respondents emphasized reskilling as critical for maintaining their future employability within a shifting job market.
- The usage of artificial intelligence (AI) tools at work rose to 20% of all workers, a 6% increase compared to the previous year, illustrating the rapid adoption of technology in workplaces.
- The Accredited Employer Work Visa program’s work experience requirement was reduced in March 2025 from three years to two years, enabling easier access for prospective migrant workers.
- In August 2025, the number of part-time job listings on the Indeed recruitment platform was recorded at 1,583, reflecting labor market supply in flexible employment.
Work Patterns & Well-being
- Surveys in 2025 found that 62% of New Zealand workers felt motivated and engaged in their current roles, indicating a majority with positive workplace satisfaction.
- Compared to the previous year, 46% of workers reported feeling more engaged in their jobs, suggesting an improving trend in employee morale.
- Among workers who were disengaged, 46% were actively considering leaving their current role within the year, signaling potential turnover risks.
- For millennials, 29% cited achieving a good work-life balance as their primary career goal, while for Generation Z this figure was slightly lower, at 21%.
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in remote work and flexible working arrangements, which continue to gain traction across various industries.
Additional Sectoral & Policy Statistics
- In the manufacturing sector, average hourly earnings were noted to be NZ$39.26, closely aligning with sector wage trends.
- Despite broader employment losses in other sectors, primary industries such as agriculture and forestry continued to add jobs, indicating sectoral resilience.
- New Zealand’s total population as of December 2024 was approximately 5.36 million people.
- Since 2018, wages in the public sector have increased by 26.2%, reflecting significant upward movement in public employee remuneration.
- Inflation for the year ending March 2025 was measured at 2.5%, impacting cost of living and real wages.
Immigration and Visa Changes
- New seasonal visa pathways for temporary migrant workers were scheduled to commence on December 8, 2025, aiming to meet labor shortages in seasonal industries.
- From March 2025, a significant visa policy change removed the median wage requirement for migrant workers, with the new minimum wage set at NZ$23.50 per hour applying as the baseline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the labor market in New Zealand in 2025 presents a multifaceted and evolving landscape, defined by shifts in employment patterns, sectoral growth, and workforce expectations. The compilation of the top 67 hiring and labor statistics, data, and trends provides a comprehensive perspective that is critical for understanding the current state of employment, predicting future workforce needs, and making informed strategic decisions. From sector-specific hiring surges in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, to the persistent demand for skilled labor in traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, these statistics illustrate both opportunities and challenges that employers, HR professionals, and policymakers must navigate.
The data underscores the importance of proactive workforce planning and the need to align talent acquisition strategies with market realities. Organizations that leverage these insights can better anticipate skills shortages, adjust compensation and benefits frameworks, and enhance employee retention strategies. Moreover, the trends highlight the growing influence of flexible work arrangements, remote work adoption, and the shifting priorities of the modern workforce—factors that are shaping recruitment practices and organizational culture in New Zealand.
For policymakers and industry leaders, these insights are invaluable in designing interventions that promote workforce inclusivity, address skill gaps, and ensure economic resilience. Understanding the dynamics of unemployment rates, labor force participation, wage trends, and migration patterns allows for more targeted policies that support both economic growth and social stability. Simultaneously, businesses can use this data to refine recruitment campaigns, optimize workforce distribution, and enhance productivity by aligning human capital strategies with emerging labor market realities.
Ultimately, staying informed about New Zealand’s labor statistics and hiring trends is not merely a matter of tracking numbers—it is about interpreting these insights to drive actionable outcomes. By comprehensively analyzing these 67 key metrics, stakeholders are equipped to make data-driven decisions that foster organizational agility, competitive advantage, and sustainable workforce development. As New Zealand continues to navigate the complexities of a dynamic labor market in 2025, this extensive analysis serves as a definitive guide for understanding the forces shaping employment, preparing for future workforce challenges, and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by an ever-evolving employment landscape.
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People Also Ask
What are the key hiring trends in New Zealand for 2025?
New Zealand’s 2025 hiring trends show growth in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, alongside increased demand for flexible work arrangements and remote opportunities.
Which sectors are seeing the highest job growth in 2025?
Technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and professional services are experiencing the highest job growth in New Zealand in 2025 due to rising demand for skilled labor.
What is the current unemployment rate in New Zealand?
As of 2025, New Zealand’s unemployment rate is approximately 3.8%, reflecting stable economic growth and increased labor market participation.
How has COVID-19 affected New Zealand’s labor market trends?
COVID-19 accelerated remote work adoption, reshaped sectoral demand, and increased emphasis on workforce flexibility and digital skills in New Zealand.
What are the average wages in New Zealand for 2025?
The average wage in New Zealand in 2025 is around NZD 65,000 per year, with sector-specific variations reflecting demand and skills shortages.
Which industries are struggling to find talent in 2025?
Healthcare, IT, engineering, and skilled trades are facing talent shortages in New Zealand due to high demand and limited qualified candidates.
How is remote work impacting hiring in New Zealand?
Remote work has expanded candidate pools, increased job flexibility, and influenced compensation structures across many New Zealand industries in 2025.
What are the labor force participation trends in New Zealand?
Labor force participation in New Zealand has risen to 71%, with more women, older workers, and skilled immigrants entering the workforce.
How does New Zealand’s labor market compare internationally?
New Zealand maintains a competitive labor market with low unemployment, high skill demand, and attractive working conditions compared to other OECD countries.
What are the top skills in demand in 2025?
Skills in technology, digital marketing, data analytics, healthcare, renewable energy, and engineering are in high demand across New Zealand in 2025.
How is the aging population affecting New Zealand’s workforce?
An aging population is creating labor shortages in healthcare and skilled trades, increasing demand for younger workers and automation solutions.
What role does immigration play in New Zealand’s workforce?
Skilled immigration supports labor market growth, fills talent gaps, and drives innovation, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Which regions in New Zealand have the most job opportunities?
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch lead in job opportunities, with high demand in tech, healthcare, and professional services.
How are labor laws influencing hiring trends?
Labor laws around minimum wage, employee rights, and flexible work arrangements are shaping recruitment strategies and compensation policies.
What are the key employment trends for millennials and Gen Z?
Millennials and Gen Z prioritize flexible work, professional growth, and meaningful work, influencing hiring practices and workplace culture.
What is the forecast for job vacancies in 2025?
Job vacancies are projected to increase by 4–5% in 2025, especially in technology, healthcare, and construction, reflecting high talent demand.
How is technology impacting the hiring process in New Zealand?
Technology is streamlining recruitment through AI-based screening, virtual interviews, and automated candidate matching for faster hiring.
What are the trends in contract and gig work?
Contract, freelance, and gig work are growing in New Zealand, driven by flexibility, project-based demand, and the rise of digital platforms.
How does gender diversity affect New Zealand’s labor market?
Increased gender diversity improves workforce inclusivity, innovation, and productivity, with more women entering leadership roles in 2025.
What are the trends in employee retention and turnover?
Retention strategies focus on flexible work, career development, and competitive compensation to reduce turnover in high-demand sectors.
How are economic conditions affecting hiring in 2025?
Stable GDP growth, rising consumer demand, and low unemployment are driving increased hiring across most New Zealand industries in 2025.
What is the average duration of employment contracts?
Full-time contracts remain standard at an average of 36–40 hours per week, with flexible and part-time contracts increasingly common in 2025.
Which industries offer the highest salaries in New Zealand?
Technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering sectors offer the highest average salaries due to specialized skills and talent scarcity.
How is workforce upskilling evolving in 2025?
Upskilling programs in digital literacy, data analysis, and technical skills are growing to meet the evolving demands of New Zealand’s labor market.
What are the trends in employee benefits and perks?
Flexible hours, remote work, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities are the most valued benefits among employees in 2025.
How important is data-driven recruitment in 2025?
Data-driven recruitment is essential for identifying skill gaps, optimizing hiring strategies, and improving workforce planning in New Zealand.
How does job satisfaction impact hiring trends?
High job satisfaction correlates with lower turnover and higher productivity, influencing recruitment strategies and employer branding.
What are the key labor market challenges in 2025?
Talent shortages, wage pressures, workforce aging, and adapting to technology-driven changes remain major labor market challenges in New Zealand.
How are small businesses responding to labor trends?
Small businesses are leveraging flexible work policies, upskilling, and competitive benefits to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
What role does workforce diversity play in hiring decisions?
Diversity and inclusion are key hiring priorities, enhancing innovation, collaboration, and overall business performance across sectors.
Sources
- Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) — Official labor market indicators, employment and unemployment rates, participation rates, sectoral employment, and demographic labor statistics.
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) — Data on job vacancies, migration, visa schemes (e.g., Accredited Employer Work Visa), wage thresholds, and visa policy changes.
- New Zealand Treasury — Reports on wage inflation, public sector wage growth, and economic forecasts.
- New Zealand Labour Market Reports — Includes quarterly and annual labor market reviews compiling multiple labor statistics.
- Department of Internal Affairs — Data regarding immigration arrivals, visa issuances, and migration trends.
- New Zealand Ministry for Women — Gender pay gap data, gender representation in workplaces and Parliament.
- Public Service Commission — Public sector workforce data, gender distribution, and pay data collection statistics.
- Recruitment Platforms and Industry Reports (e.g., SEEK, Trade Me, Indeed) — Job application trends, job advertisements, recruitment, and hiring activity data.
- MBIE Employment and Skills Policy Reports — Work patterns, well-being surveys, reskilling, and remote work trends.
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand — Inflation statistics impacting wages and cost of living.
- Industry-specific Associations and Reports (e.g., Manufacturing NZ, Construction NZ) — Sectoral employment and wage details.
