Job Market Insights: Recession-Proof Roles in New Zealand

Job seekers in New Zealand face a challenging landscape, with rising unemployment and prolonged job searches. Despite these difficulties, certain roles have been identified as “recession-proof,” providing a degree of stability even as the economy shows signs of weakening, according to RNZ.

Data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment indicates that job advertisements fell by 7.6 percent in the year leading up to the June quarter. This decline, while concerning, represents an improvement compared to a previous drop of 21.7 percent. Notably, the healthcare and primary industries sectors experienced growth in job advertisements, marking them as areas of resilience amidst economic uncertainty.

High Demand for Key Roles

Recruiters have highlighted several roles that continue to see robust demand. According to Seek, the most advertised positions include sales account managers with 3,533 listings, business development managers at just over 2,500, accountants at just over 2,300, and electricians with over 2,100 listings. Other in-demand roles encompass nurses, support workers, administration staff, sales assistants, and chefs.

Blair Chapman, a senior economist at Seek, emphasized the demographic shifts contributing to ongoing hiring needs, particularly within the healthcare sector. He noted, “With an estimated 7.5 percent of Kiwis now over the age of 75 and another 9 percent over 65, the demand for support workers and nurses is likely to remain strong as the need for care increases.”

The recovery of tourism is also positively impacting the job market, especially in hospitality. “We’ve seen a lift in visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which is helping drive demand for chefs and retail workers,” Chapman added.

Resilient Sectors Amid Economic Pressures

Hayley Pickard, managing director of Fortitude Group, noted that healthcare and aged care positions consistently demonstrate strength. She also pointed to stability in technology and education sectors. In contrast, construction, engineering, and manufacturing have shown signs of slowing down due to economic pressures.

Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, identified utilities and mining as sectors that have historically remained stable during economic downturns. He explained, “Households and businesses will always need electricity, water, and telecommunications. Likewise, mining tends to continue operating even in weak economies, particularly when global demand for commodities like gold or coal stays strong.”

Kiernan further highlighted that healthcare, social assistance, and education are among the least impacted by economic cycles. In fact, during downturns, there is often an increase in demand for tertiary education as young people delay entering a challenging job market. Certain segments of agriculture and food manufacturing also remain resilient, provided that export demand stays robust.

Despite the current economic landscape, some employers are starting to express cautious optimism. Pickard shared that confidence is gradually returning. “I’m slowly noticing clients with an optimistic outlook for 2026. Many want to weather 2025, keep the lights on, and then look to the future with renewed confidence,” she stated.

As New Zealand navigates these economic challenges, the persistence of certain job roles offers hope for job seekers, suggesting that while the landscape may be difficult, opportunities still exist for those in the right sectors.