This reflects the economic opportunities identified by both large and small businesses and their decision to be Waikato-based. In 2016, there were 8,691 business units in the Waikato. Those industries which created the most jobs were rental, hiring and real estate services, financial and insurance services, professional, scientific and technical, and construction sectors.
The Waikato unemployment rate in March 2012 was 6.8 per cent, just marginally above the national 6.6 per cent figure. This likely reflects the youthful population.
25.9 per cent of Waikato’s working age population is highly skilled. Significant resources are being invested into raising the general level of educational achievement in the district.
In 2016 there were 21,089 filled jobs and employment grew by 4.6 per cent, higher than the national average of 2.7 per cent.
Since 2003 the industries providing the most job growth have been Education and Training, Public Administration and Safety, Construction, Manufacturing, and Health Care and Social Assistance. The largest employing industries were Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (26.2%), and the largest sector was Dairy Farming employing 8.7%. Construction made up 10.9%, Manufacturing close behind with 9.9% and Education and Training 8.6%.
For further employment data please see our Economic Profile.
Current Employment Opportunities
Available employment opportunities in the Waikato district are often advertised online through the Seek website or TradeMe Jobs. Jobs may also be advertised through local recruitment agency websites.