Nelson in Focus

Employment

Nelson is a lifestyle destination and has been able to attract skilled workers from other parts of the country. For employers, this has assisted workforce stability.

The regional unemployment rate of 2.25%, well below the national figure of 3.5%, is at an historical low. Employment growth in both Nelson and Tasman exceeds the labour force growth, resulting in falling unemployment. Two thirds of the working-age population was in employment in Nelson (64.8%) and Tasman (68.5%) at 2006 census time.
Source: Dept of Labour Annual in-depth regional report.

There has been a shift in the numbers working in traditional industries like agriculture, fishing and forestry. Now the big growth industry in Nelson is property and business services. Retail trade, however, remains Nelson’s largest employer, followed by property and business services and manufacturing.

In Tasman, the largest employing industries are agriculture, retail trade and manufacturing. A large part of the region’s employment growth has been in highly skilled occupations such as legislators, administrators, managers, professionals and technicians and this is where skill shortages are predicted in the future.

The median hourly wage rates for Nelson Tasman region are below the national median, largely due to the dependence on employment in low wage industries.

Facts and Statistics

• In 2006, the total filled jobs for Nelson and Tasman was just under 38,000 Source: Statistics NZ, Linked Employer-Employee Data (LEED)
• In 2006, the property and business service sector was the largest employer in Nelson, with 38% of the city's workers. Source: Department of Labour, Annual in-depth regional report
• Agriculture, retail and manufacturing account for over 50% of employment in Tasman. Source: Department of Labour, Annual in-depth regional report
• Wage and salary earnings of people in the Nelson Tasman region from Sept 2005 - June 2006 were $37,830 (Nelson) and $35,660 (Tasman). Source: Statistics NZ, Linked Employer-Employee Data (LEED)

Work Force Development Strategy

As part of Nelson Tasman’s Regional Economic Development Strategy, a Workforce Development Strategy has been in place since 2003 with the aims of:

• Having accurate knowledge of the labour market and skill shortages
• Ensuring an appropriate labour market supply
• Ensuring training is meeting industry needs
• Communicating relevant labour market information to employers, the labour force,and training providers
• Making the region an attractive place to work

In 2004 and again in 2006 workforce and training issues were researched with support from the Ministry of Social Development and the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

The research highlights keydrivers affecting the region’s labour market - seasonality, access to relevant regional training, providing meaningful employment opportunities for youth, new migrants, older workers and people returning to the work force, and looking at health and disability factors. A number of key initiatives have been undertaken to improve Nelson’s labour market. These can be accessed on the EDA website - www.eda.co.nz/vacancies/

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Employment Profiles

‘Into The Future’ provides an overview of the employment opportunities and conditions in key regional industries. Outlining occupations, pay conditions, skill requirements and training pathways along with case studies of people in various occupations, these profiles are valuable sources of information for students making career choices and people wanting to know about employment in the region. See online at www.eda.co.nz/vacancies or copies from the EDA or Nelson City Council.

Youth Transition Service Nelson Tasman Connections has been developed locally to meet the National Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs objective of having all 15 to 19 year olds engaged in education, training, work or other options that will lead to long term economic independence and well-being. This service is available to any young person/school leaver under 20 years who would like to be linked to support or advocacy. More information at www.connections.gen.nz or ring the Connections Co-ordinator phone 03 546 2446.

Like to know more?

Fanselow Human Resources Limited

Address: 38 Buxton Square, PO Box 1128, Nelson
Ph: + 64 3 546 8649
Email: info@fanselow.co.nz
Website: www.fanselow.co.nz

Advanced Personnel Ltd

175 Haven Road, Nelson
Ph: + 64 3 548 0849
Website:www.advancedpersonnel.co.nz

Coverstaff Nelson

105 Rutherford Street, Nelson
Ph: + 64 3 545 7063
E-mail:admin.nelson@coverstaff.net.nz Website:www.coverstaff.net.nz

Allied Work Force Ltd

101 Bolt Road, Tahunanui
Ph: + 64 3 547 5467
Email: craig.knowles@0800labour.co.nz

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