The number of job ads fell in October in all regions except Taranaki, with real estate and property one of the few industry sectors to record growing demand for workers.

Seek NZ's October employment report indicated job ads fell six per cent in October over September, 29 per cent down on the year earlier, or a drop of one per cent on the October 2019 pre-Covid-19 period.

The largest cities drove the overall decline, with demand in Auckland down four per cent, and Wellington and Canterbury each down six per cent.

Manufacturing, transport and logistics saw the number of ads fall by seven per cent, while real estate and property rose 23 per cent, and education and training 11 per cent.

"A rebound in applications per job ad levels, after a drop the month prior, discounts the idea that candidate interest is plateauing," says Seek country manager Rob Clark.

"Application levels are again close to a record high, which demonstrates the desire for many workers to make a move ahead of Christmas.

"For hirers, particularly in industries where worker demand remains high, such as community services and development and hospitality and tourism, this should mean greater choice and a better chance at filling critical roles before the end of the year."

-RNZ.