The number of people on the benefit in the Bay of Plenty is continuing to decline but is still higher than the national average, according to the latest Census data.

Figures released by Statistics New Zealand show the unemployment rate in the Bay of Plenty for people aged 15 years and over was 9 per cent, slightly higher than the national average of 7.1 per cent, according to the 2013 Census.

The number of people receiving a benefit is 1500 less than this time last year.

The most common occupational group for those in employment in the Bay of Plenty is ‘professionals'.

More than 20 per cent of the Bay of Plenty population surveyed in the 2013 Census say they work in a professional occupation, with just less 20 per cent in a managerial role.

In Bay of Plenty Region, 22.7 per cent of people aged 15 years and older have an annual income of more than $50,000, compared with 26.7 per cent of people in New Zealand.

Bay of Plenty social development commissioner Mike Bryant says it's encouraging to see there are 1500 less people on a main benefit in the Bay of Plenty than this time last year, down from 29,000 to 27,500.

'This is the first time in six years we have seen an annual drop fornumbers at the end of March.”

New benefit categories announced in July last year mean more people who are able to work part-time, or who are temporary unable to work will now be receiving Jobseeker Support.

'We're confident the job market is picking up - we're seeing an increase in vacancies listed with us,” says Mike.

'The Western Bay of Plenty is currently going through a growth spurt with the building of roads, shopping malls and new housing developments.

'Caregiving is bringing a steady increase in job opportunities as demand for workers in this industry grow.”

On average, people aged 15 years and older earn $26,200 in the Bay of Plenty, less than the New Zealand median of $28,500.

Of those surveyed in the 2013 Census, 39.3 per cent of people aged 15 years and older have an annual income of $20,000 or less, compared to the 38.2 per cent of people for New Zealand as a whole.