Rotorua job sweeteners on the rise with luxury work trips, higher pay

Tony Bell of Bell Automotive says the firm is currently looking for a skilled tradesman or woman. Photo / Andrew Warner

Job listings in Rotorua have spiked and skilled labour is in short supply despite the fact some industries are still adjusting to the impact of Covid-19.

More sweeteners including luxury work trips, higher pay and vehicles are also on the table for in-demand skilled workers in some sectors.

Ingham Mora Chartered Accountants practice manager Karyn Abery. Photo / George Novak

Ingham Mora Chartered Accountants practice manager Karyn Abery said there were opportunities for people to advance their careers.

''We are in need of qualified accounting staff, of varying degrees, from accountants with a couple of years' experience through to those who have yards of it, are bored with the day-to-day compliance work and are hungry for a leadership role.''

The company had experienced continual growth over the past 12 months and ''spread all over the conventional, and unconventional methods of tapping the talent pool''.

Bell Automotive & Electrical owner Tony Bell said it needed a competent tradesman or woman, and the search has not been easy.

The job, which came with a competitive salary, had been advertised for about three weeks and no suitable applicants had applied.

Bell said the shortage of skilled labour was historic and over the years he had placed about six ads and only ever hired one person.

''We have always struggled to fill positions. Generally speaking, when we have filled a position it's been through word of mouth.'

''It's not like people are just hanging around to get a job. The good ones are usually gainfully employed and if an employer is worth a grain of salt they will pay them what they are worth so they won't jump ship.''

Now he was looking at downgrading the job and doing onsite training or hiring another apprentice.

Rotorua Economic Development interim chief executive Andrew Wilson. Photo / NZME

Rotorua Economic Development interim chief executive Andrew Wilson said based on what the organisation has heard from businesses, ''there is strong hiring intent across all sectors for a wide range of jobs''.

Companies were facing huge challenges but were realistic and resilient.

''They're working phenomenally hard to support their staff, pivot and seek out opportunities outside of their business-as-usual [mode], to stay afloat.''

On a positive note, the Pullman Hotel recently hired 10 new staff members, including for a newly created sales and marketing role.

''With an increase in the number of new corporate accounts and bookings for June already exceeding expectations, they are feeling confident and positive about the path ahead.''

Phil Van Syp from 1st Call Recruitment. Photo / NZME

Phil Van Syp from 1st Call Recruitment said if 50 people showed up tomorrow with the right skill sets and attitudes they could get work.

''We can't get enough arms and legs to be honest and the shortage is industry-wide.''

The number of applicants per job was low and employers had to pull out all the stops to get people.

Van Syp said a recent candidate who got offered a high-paying job wanted to know if it came with this and did it come with that, before he would sign.

''They [employers] are coming to the party with vehicles and other perks. There is medical cover and overseas holidays for high achievers, work trips, phones and flexibility.

''They are looking at all sorts across the board including employee wellness and productivity.

''They are getting creative because it is a competitive marketplace."

Van Syp said perks being offered also included work vehicles and higher salaries.

Hospitality NZ regional manager Alan Sciascia said the industry had a dire shortage of staff and the scenario had amplified the head-hunting of staff.

''They [employers] are now more encouraged to go and try to poach employees from other businesses. That creates a lot of difficulties for those who have lost staff.''

Trade Me Jobs sales director Matt Tolich said the highest-paying role in Rotorua in Q1 of 2021 was for an electrician paying up to $200,000 a year.

The most viewed job listing in Rotorua over the same timeframe was for a courier/delivery driver that was viewed 2000 times.

There had been a phenomenal increase in listings around the country, including a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in Rotorua.

''We put much of this down to the lack of migrant workers creating a skill-short market. We're also seeing Kiwis increase their discretionary spending on things like house renovations and car upgrades from their redirected overseas holiday funds.''

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt. Photo / NZME

Meanwhile, in the Western Bay, Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt said businesses were finding it hard to get talent, which was a byproduct of our successful economy.

However, it could constraint businesses that wanted to grow - and wages in Tauranga lagged behind the rest of the country.

''The unemployment rate is very low and the job market is hot, so getting a job should be as easy as it would ever be. On the flipside, the region also has more people on benefits than we would traditionally see, it's a two-speed job market.''

Ministry of Social Development Bay of Plenty regional commissioner Mike Bryant. Photo / NZME

Regional Commissioner for Social Development Mike Bryant said although it's been a challenging year, they were still seeing a lot of job opportunities.

Between January 1 and April 30, there had been 4533 main-benefit cancellations in the Bay of Plenty due to people obtaining work.

''The number of people receiving Jobseeker support in our region is falling, and we are pleased for those who have been successful in finding work.''

Work brokers at MSD service centres worked with employers and jobseekers to source employment opportunities, match people to roles and offered support to gain and retain work.

Support also included industry-specific training, short-term pre-employment or in-work training, and mentoring.

''Jobseekers are finding opportunities in a variety of industries including hospitality, roofing, construction, administration, kiwifruit and forestry. There are also multiple apprenticeship opportunities.''