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More Opportunities, Less Competition - What The Latest Data Means For Your Job Search
Kellie Hamlett - Director, Talent ID Recruitment Ltd
Candidate Job Hunting Employee
If you've been job hunting over the past couple of years, you'll know how tough it's been. You're one of 50 applicants. You don't hear back. You second-guess your CV. You wonder if it's worth putting
yourself out there.
Here's some heartening news: the landscape is shifting.
SEEK's February 2026 data shows job ads are up 12.2% nationally compared to this time last year, the strongest annual growth since 2022. Locally, we're seeing solid movement across the Bay of Plenty (up 19.3% y/y), Waikato (14.7% y/y), and Hawke's Bay (10.2% y/y). More roles are being advertised, across more industries.
Just as importantly, applications per job ad have dropped 2.4% this month. The volume of people chasing each role is coming down. You have a better chance of being seen.
For those working in or seeking roles in community services, hauora, social services, or the broader public sector — your sector continues to grow. Community Services & Development is up 15.3% annually. Healthcare & Medical is up 19.1%. These are industries where skilled, values-aligned people are genuinely needed.
Salaries are also moving in the right direction up 3.0% year-on-year nationally, with the "Rest of the North Island" (which includes our rohe) recording the fastest quarterly salary growth outside the main centres.
If you've been biding your time, this is a good moment to update your profile, refresh your CV, and put your hand up. The market is more receptive than it's been in years.
Talent ID works with candidates across our region to find roles that genuinely fit, your skills, your values, your life. If you'd like a confidential chat about what's out there, reach out.
Kellie Hamlett
Director, Talent ID Recruitment Ltd
For more articles from Talent ID, check out our
archive.
Finding their balance...
When I moved to Rotorua, I found it hard to find suitable employment. Luckily someone suggested I call Talent ID. They’ve been by my side since day one. They helped with improvements to my CV and cover letter, coached me through the interview process and have been my rock in a turbulent job market. They have been WONDERFUL in terms of placing me into employment comparable with my experience while learning new skills that will enhance my career. The work has been both challenging and interesting. I am very happy with the decision to use Talent ID and would happily recommend them to anyone who is looking for a job.
Finding their balance...
“Talent ID played a crucial role in assisting our company to find a new team member. Initially, we needed a temporary resource to bridge a gap in our workforce and Stefanie quickly understood our requirements. Her dedication and efficiency in sourcing a qualified candidate on short notice were impressive.
Thanks to Stefanie's efforts, we now have a valuable team member who has seamlessly integrated into our business, having transitioned from temporary to a permanent team member. We highly recommend Stefanie and TalentID for their outstanding services and look forward to continuing our successful partnership in the future."
Vicki, FPG (Future Products Group Ltd), Hawke’s Bay
Finding their balance...
“We have called in 7 temps in the last 8 months, partly because some have become so much a part of our work family, we have made them permanent employees and had to call in new temps to replace them!
We recently implemented a new Financial Management System which meant a delay in processing. Having reliable temp staff helped to clear the continuous backlog and allowed us to use our more senior employees where needed.
Talent ID has reliable staff, does the vetting and reference checking for us and they are amazing to work with.”
Government department, Rotorua
Finding their balance...
“I decided to register for casual roles with Talent ID while we got settled into our new town. After registering my interest and CV with the agency, I had an interview with Stefanie within a week. Two weeks and a formal job interview later, I received an offer for a casual role within my career field.
This has now turned into a permanent, full-time role. Talent ID is the professional, efficient recruitment agency to use if you want a quick, smooth transition into job roles. Thank you Stefanie and the team for the friendly service.”
Lize, Napier
Finding their balance...
“I highly recommend temping as it is a great way to use your skills and adapt them to different working environments. I have completed one 6-month temp role and on my second assignment through Talent ID now.
I have enjoyed meeting and working with new people, understanding different systems and processes, and learning about the culture and values of the organisations. Temping has been a great way to understand the NZ job market, which I am new to, and to guide me in the direction I would like to take my career.”
Allison, Rotorua


