The latest Hudson Report on Employment Trends shows 64.5% of employers nationally intend to keep staffing levels steady this quarter, while 28% intend to employ more people.
It says consumer confidence is at a 32-month high and this, combined with great summer weather and rising optimism, is flowing through to buying decisions.
Nationally, the construction, property and engineering sectors have by far the strongest intention to hire, followed by government and financial services and insurance.
Hudson says while confidence remains high in the South Island hiring intentions have dropped 8% due to a lack of clarity around what is required for the Canterbury rebuilding effort.
