Geotechnical Engineers Lead Job Ad Surge
Geotechnical engineers topped a new New Zealand employment list with job advertisements increasing by 137.5% between June and August 2026 compared with the same period the previous year, using data from the employment website SEEK. Electricians followed closely with a 133.3% increase in job ads, while surveyors recorded growth of 123.8%.
Engineering, construction, and trades roles accounted for half of the top ten occupations seeing the largest surge in demand. SEEK chief economist Dr Blair Chapman attributed the widespread growth across these sectors to the country’s active infrastructure pipeline. These major transport and water projects create direct demand for site engineers, health and safety advisers, and electricians, according to Chapman.
Infrastructure Spending Counters Rising Unemployment Figures
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment forecasted infrastructure spending to continue growing year-on-year across a five-year horizon. This capital expenditure supports a shifting energy system with an increasing focus on electricity, driving sustained demand for electricians. Health and safety advisers recorded the fourth-largest increase in job advertisements at 111.8%, followed by mechanical engineers at 96.6%.
The job market growth occurs alongside broader economic strain documented by Stats NZ. Total unemployment climbed to 5.6% in the June quarter compared with 5.4% in March, representing approximately 171,000 jobless New Zealanders. A broader measure showing people wanting more work rose to 13.8%, while the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research described youth unemployment as hitting crisis levels amid technological shifts driven by artificial intelligence.
Technology Roles Rise While Competition Intensifies
Support engineers and platform engineers placed eighth and ninth on the list, with job advertisements climbing 73.3% and 72.0% respectively. Chapman stated that businesses increasing their use of artificial intelligence and digital tools support demand for these technology professionals who build, run, and maintain technology systems. Digital marketing specialists rounded out the top ten with an increase of 68.4%.
Total job advertisements across all sectors rose 7.8% in September compared with the same month last year, though monthly growth slowed to 0.1%. Trades and services recorded a 16.8% annual increase, and manufacturing, transport, and logistics rose 26.1%. At the same time, competition for open positions intensified, with applications per advertisement climbing 2.9% in September for the sharpest monthly rise since April 2024.
Why Are Geotechnical Engineers Seeing the Highest Demand in New Zealand?
Why are geotechnical engineers seeing the highest demand in New Zealand?
Geotechnical engineers saw job advertisements surge by 137.5% between June and August 2026 due to major transport, water, and other infrastructure projects driving widespread sector demand, according to SEEK chief economist Dr Blair Chapman.
Stats NZ reported that total unemployment climbed to 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.4% in March, representing approximately 171,000 unemployed New Zealanders.
How much did job advertisements for electricians increase?
Electricians recorded a 133.3% increase in job advertisements, driven by infrastructure projects and an increasing focus on electricity in New Zealand’s energy system.
Support engineers and platform engineers placed eighth and ninth on the SEEK list, recording increases of 73.3% and 72.0% respectively due to the growing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools by businesses.
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