By MIKE MATHER in Rotorua
Rotorua's vibrant job market is seen as a reliable indicator of a buoyant local economy.
A record 120 jobs were advertised in the Daily Post on Saturday, proof, say commentators, of a healthy job market and low unemployment.
A significant number ofthe jobs are being placed by overseas firms, including many from Australia calling for labourers - an indication the Central North Island is being targeted in a bid to enlist former forestry workers left jobless after the downturn in that industry.
There was not a great number of vacancies in any one area or industry, with positions for both skilled and unskilled workers being posted.
Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Roger Gordon said the increase in job vacancies was a national trend, due in part to low unemployment levels.
Many vacancies were in the skills sector, partially due to the Rotorua District Council's economic development unit skills strategy.
"It indicates that it is not before time that energy was put in that area," Mr Gordon said.
Likewise, many of the vacancies were for supervisory or management positions.
"A certain number of companies are looking to grow. You have to build up that [management] infrastructure before you can move on to the next level."
Work and Income New Zealand regional commissioner Carl Crafar said the increased number of vacancies was a sign of the buoyancy of the Bay of Plenty economy.
"Traditionally, about 70 percent of vacancies are filled by word of mouth and shoulder tapping. Employers are now increasingly having to go public to fill those vacancies because they don't know anyone looking for work and the number of unemployed is continuing to drop.
"Because of the high level of vacancies, we are going to embark on a proactive campaign for those still unemployed to get them into work."
The region's latest unemployment statistics are due to be released today.
