Despite a decrease in the unemployment rate, the number of filled jobs in Whanganui has also decreased, with a loss of 288 jobs between January 2024 and January 2025. <\/p>\n
Of the 288 jobs lost, 80 came from the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a sector breakdown that is more exposed to seasonal work,\u201d Easton said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen there\u2019s a contraction, it\u2019s the less fixed-term people that are the first to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whanganui & Partners strategic lead for business Tim Easton. <\/p>\n
In Whanganui, there was also a 4.3% decline in filled construction jobs compared to January 2024, with a loss of 72 filled jobs.<\/p>\n
The construction decline follows the national trend, with construction down 6.6% across the country. <\/p>\n
Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen said it was possible for both the Whanganui unemployment rate and filled jobs to fall at the same time because of people leaving the district, leaving the country or no longer seeking employment.<\/p>\n
Infometrics defines unemployed as a person without a job but actively seeking employment. <\/p>\n
\u201cMovements within the region are often depending on where the jobs are and where people see different opportunities, affordability or transport options,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Olsen said there was little concern for Whanganui\u2019s employment market. <\/p>\n
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve seen regions doing far, far worse,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n Louise Bird, owner of Whanganui recruitment agency Outsourced Personnel, said any decline in available jobs was likely a result of staff no longer being replaced.<\/p>\n \u201cIn work at the moment, often when people leave they\u2019re not replaced so work is spread or that position may become a part-time role,\u201d Bird said. <\/p>\n Ministry of Social Development (MSD) data shows 2391 people are on the Jobseeker Support benefit in the Whanganui District. <\/p>\n MSD regional commissioner Gloria Campbell said it was committed to continuing to help people into employment. <\/p>\n \u201cOur number one priority as a ministry is to help people into work,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cOur employment teams work closely with employers, industries, local government as well as community training and employment providers. <\/p>\n \u201cThe wider economy has a big impact on how many jobs are available. However, there are still jobs available. <\/p>\n \u201cIt is hard for people, but I\u2019d like to encourage them not to lose heart, ensure CVs are up to date, upskill where possible, keep themselves competitive and keep talking to us.\u201d <\/p>\n Consumer spending up <\/p>\n Meanwhile, Easton said consumer spending can be used as an employment and economic stability indicator. <\/p>\n \u201cThe general theory is, if money is still being spent in the economy, it\u2019s a good thing because people aren\u2019t running out of money or back pocket saving,\u201d Easton said. <\/p>\n Electronic card consumer spending<\/a> increased 5.3% in the Whanganui District over the year to December 2024, compared to 0.2% growth nationally. <\/p>\n