Spring has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere, and with it comes renewed energy in the job markets of New Zealand and Australia. While the statistics show some challenges, they also reveal important opportunities for skilled migrants who are ready to make their mark.
Macro-Economic Backdrop
- New Zealand is facing a period of economic softness. Over the past nine months, approximately 50,000 jobs have been lost, with 10,000 disappearing in just the last quarter. Unemployment has risen to 5.2%, and filled jobs remain 6% below their 2023 levels. The construction sector alone is down 5.6% year-on-year.
It’s worth noting that only in New Zealand would 5.2% unemployment make front-page news — in many countries, that would be celebrated as a sign of a healthy, fully employed economy. Kiwis are quite pedantic about this statistic.
- Australia, by contrast, is in a stronger economic cycle. Employers continue to hire, wages are growing, and the country is successfully attracting talent — including many skilled New Zealanders leaving for higher pay and broader career options.
Both countries have different opportunities for work:
- New Zealand must replenish its workforce, as skilled workers continue to migrate out.
- Australia is expanding, creating fresh demand for new hires across multiple sectors.
Migration Trends
- New Zealand recorded a net loss of 71,800 people in the year to June 2025, the highest in 13 years, with most departures being under 30. This creates immediate replacement demand for mid-career professionals in healthcare, engineering, and technical trades.
- Australia is actively benefiting from this exodus. Higher salaries and strong project pipelines — particularly in infrastructure and resources — make it a magnet for ambitious workers.
For migrants, this dual trend creates a two-sided opportunity: fill the gaps left behind in New Zealand or ride the economic growth wave in Australia.
Job Sectors of Highest Potential
- New Zealand
- Technology & Digital Transformation: Employers are restarting projects delayed earlier in the year. Contract roles are opening, with permanent hiring likely to follow.
- Healthcare & Social Services: Replacement demand is high as local talent exits. Nurses, allied health professionals, and specialists remain priority hires.
- Agriculture & Primary Industries: Seasonal and permanent gaps are evident, particularly in regional areas.
- Australia
- Construction & Infrastructure: A booming sector, supported by government spending and private investment.
- Mining, Energy & Resources: Still core to Australia’s economy, with ongoing projects demanding engineers, geologists, and safety managers.
- Technology & Corporate Services: Similar to New Zealand, but with stronger hiring momentum and higher pay.
Timing Advantage: The Spring Hiring Window
Spring is traditionally a strong hiring season in both countries:
- After the winter slowdown, employers gear up for new projects.
- Recruitment peaks before the holiday season, when hiring managers are more responsive and onboarding can happen smoothly.
- For candidates, this is the ideal window to get ahead of the competition and lock in interviews.
Standout Candidates Win in Any Economy
Despite the statistics, one constant remains:
- The best-prepared and most determined candidates always stand out.
- Employers in both New Zealand and Australia value skills, measurable achievements, and hunger to succeed above all else.
- Migrants who can demonstrate impact — whether in cost savings, production gains, project delivery, or leadership — are positioned as favorites, even in competitive markets.
Conclusion
New Zealand and Australia present complementary opportunities this spring. New Zealand needs skilled migrants to replace a shrinking workforce, while Australia is expanding and paying top dollar to attract talent. For those ready to move, the coming months are a golden window to act.
If you have the right skills, clear goals, and a results-driven profile, now is the time to step forward. Employers are looking — and the market is opening up.
Get Your CV / Profile / Job Targets Assessed
Put your best foot forward this spring. Get a fast, practical CV assessment from a 17-year veteran of the NZ & AU job markets.
What you’ll receive (free insights) for qualifying job seekers:
- Fit check: role and sector match in NZ & Australia
- Presentation about the entire job finding process
- ATS readiness: keyword and structure improvements
- Quick market pointers: salary bands & immediate targets
- Next steps: 3–5 actions to land interviews faster
How to request your assessment:
- Email your CV to Tate@employmentforimmigration.nz
- Subject line: “CV Assessment – [Your Role] – [City/Country]”
Confidential. No fluff—just useful, actionable insights you can apply to your job hunt.
Check out our local economic news:
New Zealand’s Economy in Crisis: 50,000 Jobs Gone, Kiwis Fleeing to Australia
https://www.propertynoise.co.nz/new-zealands-economy-in-crisis-50000-jobs-gone-kiwis-fleeing-to-australia/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
New Zealand’s Q2 Jobless Rate Rises to 5.2% (shocking)
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealands-q2-jobless-rate-rises-52-2025-08-05/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
New Zealand’s Population Exodus Hits 13-Year High
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealands-population-exodus-hits-13-year-high-economy-worsens-2025-08-15/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Employment Rises as Jobs Market Stabilises (MEI July 2025)
https://www.mpamag.com/nz/news/general/employment-rises-as-jobs-market-stabilises/547768?utm_source=chatgpt.com
What the Latest Jobs Data Is (and Isn’t) Telling Us
https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin/31-07-2025/what-the-latest-jobs-data-is-and-isnt-telling-us?utm_source=chatgpt.com
What’s Ahead for New Zealand Hiring in 2025 — Beyond Recruitment
https://www.beyondrecruitment.co.nz/blog/2025/08/whats-ahead-for-new-zealand-hiring-in-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com
MBIE Labour Market Release Calendar (Jobs Online & MEI Data)
https://www.mbie.govt.nz/business-and-employment/employment-and-skills/labour-market-reports-data-and-analysis/jobs-online/release-calendar?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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