And figures from Statistics New Zealand show jobs in Wanganui's healthcare and social assistance sector are on the rise.
The healthcare and social assistance industry in Wanganui district has enjoyed steady growth over the past five years, with figures revealing 170 more people in jobs with the sector last year than in 2009.
The sector also employs the most people, with 2830 holding jobs in the district last year.
Manufacturing jobs came in second with 2650 positions - although this number was dropping.
However, wholesale trade was also tracking well locally, with 60 more people employed than in 2009.
Whanganui and MidCentral DHBs regional manager of human resources and organisational development Hentie Cilliers said there were more local opportunities for health professionals than a few years ago.
"The high percentage of ageing healthcare workers will create opportunities for new entrants into health careers," she said.
"Healthcare continually evolves with new technology, different models of care and a broader scope for certain roles creating ongoing opportunities for health professionals to advance and progress their careers."
There were more than 100 health careers locally, a large number of which were in primary and community health, and some within the hospital setting, he said.
According to the latest Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Jobs Online report, the number of skilled job vacancies advertised in Wanganui, Manawatu and Taranaki increased by 4.9 per cent in the year to July.
Figures from SEEK show that nationally 11.5 per cent more jobs were listed in August than in the same month last year.
Auckland job ads grew 3.4 per cent from July to August, while Wellington's jumped 9.7 per cent - potentially driven by the election.
Rotorua enjoyed a 26 per cent jump, and Hawke's Bay was up 22 per cent.
Federated Farmers spokesman Andrew Hoggard said the lift in opportunities reaffirmed New Zealand's future as a "primary exporting super power".
"New Zealand's increasingly sophisticated farming system is driving the need for skills and knowledge as our primary industries are on track to double export returns by 2025.
"While dairy farming is the backbone of New Zealand's primary exports, employment growth goes beyond the farmgate, into agricultural science, manufacturing and international business."
Mr Hoggard said there were great opportunities for workers looking to move into the farming industry.
"An increasingly skilled labour force is needed to support the industry, from technical product development right through to marketing."
More than 250 farming roles are currently advertised on SEEK.