Sector performance was mixed. Tourism-linked industries such as transport, retail, and hospitality saw modest hiring gains, alongside public services like health and education. In contrast, construction and business services continued to shed jobs.
Regional differences were also pronounced, with rural areas and the South Island outperforming the main centres.
“This split is likely to reflect strong agricultural export prices and the ongoing recovery in international tourism,” Gordon said.
The MEI, based on income tax data, typically predicts official labour force survey (HLFS) outcomes. Gordon said the March figures suggest a further rise in the unemployment rate is likely.
Early signs of recovery in primary and goods sectors
ASB senior economist Mark Smith (pictured right) said the March figures were “slightly stronger than expected,” with filled jobs up 0.2% month-on-month — the first quarterly gain in nearly a year.
