Job ads across New Zealand’s transport and logistics sector are rising again, with new data from SEEK showing continued demand for drivers and freight-related roles.
The SEEK NZ Employment Report for February shows job ads in the Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics sector increased 2.2% month-on-month and 19.3% year-on-year, reflecting renewed hiring activity in freight, distribution and supply chain roles.
Nationally, job ads rose 0.9% month-on-month and are now up 12.2% year-on-year — the strongest annual increase since 2022 — signalling improving labour market conditions.
SEEK NZ country manager Rob Clark says the labour market has continued its strong start to 2026, with growth extending across key goods-producing and infrastructure-linked industries.
“The monthly growth is despite minimal change in the largest metro regions of Auckland and Wellington, with Bay of Plenty leading the national uptick in February.
“Regionally, the South Island is performing strongly, with Otago, Southland, West Coast and Canterbury all up more than 20% annually. Auckland and Wellington remain steady contributors, while Marlborough is the only region to record both monthly and annual declines.
“The overall annual growth, particularly in the South Island, reflects ongoing strength in industries such as construction, engineering, and farming, animals and conservation.
“Trades and services and manufacturing and logistics also recorded solid monthly gains, which is welcome news after a prolonged period of decline,” Clark says.
The data points to steady demand for drivers and logistics workers, particularly as freight volumes and infrastructure activity remain elevated across parts of the country.
However, competition for roles appears to be easing slightly. Across all sectors, applications per job ad fell 2.4% month-on-month, suggesting candidate activity is declining from peak levels seen last year.
Regionally, growth in job ads has been strongest outside the main centres, with Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Otago all recording gains. The South Island continues to show particularly strong annual growth, with regions such as Otago, Southland, West Coast and Canterbury all up more than 20% year-on-year.
Despite the improving demand outlook, salary growth across the broader labour market remains modest. SEEK’s Advertised Salary Index shows advertised salaries rose 0.9% quarter-on-quarter and 3% year-on-year.
The average advertised salary of a heavy rigid driver in New Zealand is $59.7K and $76.1K in Australia. A forklift driver is $54.7K in New Zealand and $71.3K in Australia.
National SEEK Job Ad percentage change by industry i) February 2026 vs January 2026 m/m and ii) February 2026 vs February 2025 y/y – Ordered by job ad volume.
Average advertised salary by role – as at February 2026 – NZ$ (‘000s)
