Job ads up on national basis

* SEEK reveals a 6.5% year-on-year increase in new job ads

* SEEK Employment Index (SEI) is also up with a rise of 4.9% month-on-month

The latest figures from the SEEK New Job Ad Index reveal the number of new jobs advertised has increased by 6.5% year-on-year.

The data from SEEK's largest employment website, seek.co.nz, also showed month-on-month growth in new job ads in August with a rise of 2.8%.

The number of job ads grew in all major cities and regions in New Zealand with Wellington leading the way on 4.4%, followed by Auckland (2.9%) and Canterbury (2%).

SEEK New Zealand General Manager, Janet Faulding says, "Growth in the New Job Ad Index was seen nationwide in all of the regions monitored, and with 16,000 jobs currently listed on SEEK, this points to better opportunities across the board for Kiwis on the job hunt."

Also increasing this month was the SEEK Employment Index (SEI), the ratio of new job ads placed on SEEK to the number of applications received for those jobs, with a rise of 4.9% from July 2012.

The SEI grew in Auckland (6.6%) and Wellington (3.6%), while Canterbury in particular saw a substantial increase (8.4%).

SEEK New Zealand General Manager, Janet Faulding says "This past month has shown a gradual firming of the employment market in New Zealand, with more jobs advertised than applications received. Trades & Services roles in Canterbury, of course, continue to see rapid growth, which is bolstering the results shown in the region."

In line with this rapid growth demonstrated in Canterbury, Trades & Services roles continue to have a strong presence in this quarter's fastest moving jobs with Carpenters in heavy demand.

Fastest moving jobs in New Zealand, quarterly comparison May - Aug 2012

Carpenters up 178%

Marketing Brand Managers up 74%

IT Security up 70%

Community Service Managers up 69%

Mining Engineers and Maintenance up 66%

"If you're in these types of roles, and thinking about making a move, now is a good time to pop your head up and look at jobs listed on seek.co.nz," says Ms Faulding.

SEEK New Job Ads, New Zealand, (seasonally adjusted; August 2010 = 100)