City's job market 'buoyant'

There is plenty of work in Rotorua.

There's plenty of work on offer in Rotorua and people are coming from far and wide to fill positions, a recruiter says.

According to the latest Trade Me Jobs quarterly statistics, Rotorua job listings are up 18 per cent on last year for the period June through to August.

Head of Trade Me Jobs Peter Osborne said the figures showed Rotorua's job market was in "fantastic shape".

"That's well ahead of the national average, which is hovering around 1 per cent, and over double the rate of increase seen in the Auckland region. But, those looking for a big pay cheque may have found themselves left wanting, as the average advertised salary was down around 6.2 per cent, at $52,076," he said.

According to the same statistics, the average number of applications for jobs was down 6 per cent.

Talent ID Recruitment director Kellie Hamlett said the number of people applying for jobs through her Rotorua business was definitely up, between 10 and 20 per cent across the board.

"We have a lot of diverse roles and people are applying for them from all over the country. Lots are from outside of Rotorua with a lot of former Rotorua people wanting to come back home. Most people we find are wanting to relocate for the lifestyle or family.

"The job market is quite buoyant, there's a lot happening here in Rotorua so it has to be good for the city.

"There are lots of new roles, which shows a strong indication of growth, but it's hard to pinpoint the sector," Ms Hamlett said.

Shine PR director Jacky James said she had recently advertised for a new staff member and was encouraged by the number of applications so far, but few were from Rotorua.

"I think we have tapped out the Rotorua market. I think the right person will probably come from Tauranga," she said.

"It's just a short commute from Tauranga and I think people need to be open to employing people from there.

"There are lots of good career opportunities in Rotorua and with the great lifestyle here, why wouldn't you come?"

Earlier this year Mrs James said she had about 40 applications for a role within her company and she said she was lucky enough to have employed a Rotorua person.

One of the city's largest employers, the Rotorua Lakes Council, said it was difficult recruiting for jobs of a more technical nature.

People and Capability manager Richard Bird said the council had received 69 applications for a role in its strategy team, with 45 from Rotorua and the Bay, six from Auckland, four from overseas and the rest from around New Zealand.

He said of 52 applications for two sales and marketing roles, 28 were from Rotorua, 12 from Auckland, four from overseas and the rest from New Zealand.

Trade Me Quarterly Job Stats

* Rotorua job listings up 18 per cent on last year

* Average advertised salary down 6.2 per cent to $52,076

* Average applications for jobs down 6 per cent

* New roles listed nationally up 1.6 per cent for June to August 2015