The Great ‘Stay Or Go’ Dilemma: Almost All Kiwi Workers Open To New Roles, But Global Conditions Make The Move Harder

A dramatic shift is underway in the New Zealand job market, with a staggering 96% of employees actively looking or open to a new job in 2026. However, this comes with a significant tension: while almost every Kiwi worker has an eye on the exit, the outbreak of the Iran War is making the leap more daunting.

According to the latest 2026 New Zealand Job Market Insights Report by Trade Me, the number of employees keen to explore their employment options is up 12% from the previous year.

The report, which surveyed 1,946 New Zealand employees and 226 employers, reveals that nearly half of all workers (49%) expect to change jobs in the next year, driven less by the pull of new opportunities and more by a powerful ‘push’ from their current roles.

'The New Zealand job market is at a turning point, but the timing is difficult,' says Head of Trade Me Jobs, Nicole Williams. 'We’re seeing a record number of people wanting to move, but the Iran War has introduced a level of economic uncertainty that wasn’t there when we spoke to job hunters. While workers are looking for better pay and career growth, the global situation is making both businesses and candidates second–guess their next steps'.

The research shows the desire to leave their current role is a top motivator for job hunters. Key reasons for employee dissatisfaction include unhappiness with business culture (16%) and feeling undervalued (16%), indicating that the workplace environment is now just as critical as financial incentives for staff retention.

“The New Zealand job market is at a turning point, but employers and employees are not on the same page,” says Ms Williams. “While workers are looking for better pay, flexibility, and career growth, employers are still focused on offering job security, a mismatch for what today's candidates want.”

Relocation on the rise as Kiwi search for the right fit

The search for the right role is also encouraging Kiwi to look further afield. The report found 68% of job hunters are willing to relocate for the right opportunity, an increase of 5% from 2025.

“An increased willingness among people to relocate for work is creating a win-win for the job market,” says Ms Williams. “Businesses now have access to a wider national talent pool, while greater flexibility over location means more choice for job hunters.

Almost half of job hunters using AI for their search

Artificial intelligence is beginning to be adopted in the local recruitment market. Almost half (43%) of job hunters said they have used AI in their job search. Those that have mainly used it for drafting cover letters (32%) and resumes/CVs (24). While employers have used AI for administrative support like drafting job descriptions (41%) rather than for core recruitment processes.

“The reality on the ground is that both job hunters and employers are still just dipping their toes in the water. We’re seeing AI used as a helpful assistant, but the trust required for high-stakes decisions like candidate selection isn’t there yet. The opportunity for businesses will be to find the right balance, using AI for efficiency without losing the human touch that is clearly so important to Kiwi workers,” says Ms Williams.

National job market sees strong growth in first quarter of the year

The job market saw a significant post-summer rebound in the first quarter of 2026, with listings up 31.9% on the previous quarter and 10.1% compared to the same time last year.

The South Island was a standout performer, with Southland (+35.8%), Nelson/Tasman (+28.4%), and Canterbury (+20.5%) seeing the strongest year-on-year growth in job listings. In contrast, growth was more modest in the major centres of Auckland (+0.3%) and Wellington (+3.7%).

While the average number of applications per listing fell by 7% compared to the last quarter, Ms Williams said competition for available roles has become fierce, particularly at the entry level.

"With national unemployment figures on the rise, we're seeing that pressure reflected in our applications for entry level roles. For example, a single part-time retail assistant role recently attracted over 600 applications, and a warehouse pick packer role drew nearly 500. It’s a clear sign of the intense competition people are facing for these positions."

Other key findings from the 2026 report include:

Skills mismatch: Despite a surge in available talent, finding good quality candidates remains the biggest challenge for 32% of employers.

An expectations gap: Employees are seeking better pay, flexibility and career progression, while many employers are still prioritising job security.

Industry attachment: Nearly 60% of workers would consider roles beyond their current industry, while only 25% insist on staying in their current industry,

This report's findings are based on a survey conducted by Trade Me between 12-21 January 2026. The study captures a diverse sample of 1,946 job hunters and employees from over 26 industries, and 226 employers, business owners, and recruiters.

Notes:

Quarterly data 1 January - 31st March 2026

Average Salary by Region

*The West Coast's average salary of $76,201 is the highest in this quarter's data, however, this is based on a small number of listings, which has likely skewed the figure upwards.

Average Salary by Industry

* Indicates record high

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