The Rotorua employment market is looking "very positive" according to one recruitment agency, as online job vacancies surge.
According to Trademe, the number of job listings for Rotorua in the first quarter of the year was up 16.1 per cent compared to the same time last year.
That was slightly higher than the 14.8 per cent change for the whole Bay of Plenty region.
The figures showed the three biggest industries in Rotorua, in terms of total numbers of listings, were trades and services, hospitality and tourism, and retail.
Angelique Scott, manager at recruitment agency Personnel Resources said the company was "super busy" at the moment.
"There are heaps of roles going in a range of industries and areas."
She said there are both temporary and permanent roles going.
"Temp roles can open doors to people who are new to Rotorua or need more experience."
Mrs Scott said they were "definitely" busier for the first quarter this year compared to last year.
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"It's very positive."
Mrs Scott said as hundreds of people, including those from overseas, were applying for roles in Rotorua it was hard as some people would miss out.
Kellie Hamlett, director at Talent ID, said there had been a 42 per cent increase in the number of jobs advertised across major job boards in the Bay of Plenty in the past 12 months.
"Due to the growth the region is currently experiencing, Rotorua's employment market is increasing."
She agreed with the findings that trades and services, hospitality and tourism, and retail were the biggest industries in Rotorua.
"This is indicative of the growth the region is currently experiencing. Rotorua has always had a strong tourism focus, and is now becoming desirable to many in the major cities who are now seeking a lifestyle change and work life balance resulting in an increase of population, which typically increases our needs for more trade and services type roles."
Rotorua Chamber of Commerce president John McRae said it was great news.
"I know for any business doing well it can be hard to take the next step of employing people."
He said he wasn't surprised at the jump in listings as people had confidence in Rotorua and the market.
"There has been an influx of people moving here for employment, particularly from Auckland. They had made a decision not to live on a motorway and have a lifestyle and employment. People have woken up to the fact how great Rotorua is."
Having talked to members of the chamber Mr McRae had heard of a number of staff shortages, particularly in the trades industry "where it can be hard to find qualified people".