Signs of Hiring Caution Accumulating

New Zealand's SEEK job ads dipped 0.7% in April, the second consecutive monthly decline, amid geopolitical uncertainty and cost shocks. BNZ forecasts the unemployment rate will rise to 5.7% over the next year as hiring caution increases.

Key Takeaways

• 1.SEEK job ads in New Zealand fell by 0.7% m/m in April 2026, marking the second consecutive monthly decline.
• 2.The recent decline in job ads is attributed to cost shocks and uncertainty stemming from the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East.
• 3.Applications per job ad increased slightly (0.7%) in March, reversing a downward trend and signaling potential labor market softening.

Table of Contents

• Contact Details
• BNZ Research
• Main Offices
• SEEK

Document Preview

Page 1 of 2

Subscribe for full accessStart Free Trial