Youth and Flexibility Lead New Zealand’s Jobs Boom

New Zealand’s job market is defying economic headwinds, showing strong signs of growth and resilience as employers double down on flexibility and the rising power of young workers.

According to Employment Hero’s July 2025 Jobs Report for New Zealand, employment across the country has grown by a striking 5.8% year-on-year. Quarterly growth came in at 1.8%, with a steady 0.5% gain over the last month, confirming this isn’t a fluke. It’s momentum.

And that momentum is being fuelled by a distinct shift in how and who businesses are hiring.

Casual is king

Forget traditional full-time gigs, casual work is leading the charge. Casual employment shot up 9.7% over the past year, outpacing both full-time (2.8%) and part-time roles (2%). This points to a major workforce pivot.

SMEs are adjusting to a new era of flexibility. In uncertain economic conditions, casual roles offer lower risk and faster onboarding. For employees, especially younger ones, they offer adaptability and the chance to test the waters across industries.

Young workers take the lead

If there’s one group truly driving the jobs surge, it’s young people. Employment for 14–17-year-olds has skyrocketed by 27.6% year-on-year, while the 18–24 bracket saw an impressive 16.6% boost.

These figures aren’t just statistical quirks, they reflect a structural shift in hiring. Retail, hospitality, and admin support roles are increasingly being filled by teens and early-career workers. These industries thrive on availability, customer service and fast upskilling—traits where younger workers shine.

SMEs are clearly recognising the value and energy that Gen Z and younger bring to the table. And in an environment where experience is costly, hiring early and training smart is becoming the go-to strategy.

Booming sectors

Some industries are making more noise than others. Administration and Office Support took the top spot in sector growth, climbing an enormous 17.1% year-on-year. That’s not just hiring—it’s a hiring frenzy.

Construction and Trade Services also saw a major lift, up 6.8% compared to last year. With infrastructure projects and housing demand holding strong, this sector continues to be a national engine room for jobs.

Regional powerhouses

The national trend is echoed regionally, with Queensland leading employment growth at 5.9% year-on-year, followed closely by New South Wales and Western Australia (both at 5.8%). These states have become consistent performers, suggesting that the jobs resurgence isn’t isolated to a handful of hotspots, it’s widespread and well-rooted.

Outlook: Flex-first and youth-fuelled

Looking ahead, the signals are clear: New Zealand’s workforce is shifting towards greater flexibility, youth engagement, and industry demand that favours agility and quick hires. Employers need to be nimble and willing to invest in early talent pipelines.