Infometrics reports South Island jobs rose 0.3% in March and 0.2% in February, marking the first consecutive growth since October 2023, while North Island employment remains flat.
Agriculture and mining are driving South Island gains, underpinning local spending and helping the hospitality sector maintain stability despite ongoing sector-wide challenges and cost pressures, especially from rising fuel prices.
Employment among under-30s continues to fall, altering hospitality recruitment dynamics, while retail jobs show early signs of recovery. Operators are focusing on steady trade, cost control, and cautious staffing across both islands.
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