Fred News – January 2026

January news at Fred

Wrapping up the end of January, it’s great to be back and into a notably different start to this New Year vs last – if anything puts a bounce in our step at Fred, it’s seeing this positive shift. The gradual return to ‘usual business’ while taking a decent chunk off in January, has not impacted a refreshingly busy return in our office.  This said, we are still seeing expansion in some areas and retraction in others.

Recruitment is unquestionably a stronger focus for many this January, with new roles coming in as early as the first week of January.  Finance, sales and marketing, and customer support roles are making up a lot of this work.  This type of recruitment indicates more positivity early in the year, with businesses embracing growth focused hires.

On the talent market front, we are seeing some early signs of change with the usual very high applicant numbers tapering off slightly this year, though yes still high, it may indicate unemployment is starting to track down.

Temp requirements across office support roles are slightly up turned, while manufacturing and warehouse requirements remain stable/low.  Demand for permanent roles is significantly up this Jan month on month, with a (220%) increase in active permanent roles being worked on.  A strong indicator of a more promising year ahead for our punchy little nation.

Christchurch continues to forge ahead as a city returning to it’s previously highly desirable status, job opportunities are on the rise and there are consistent conversations around relocation from other NZ cities with lifestyle being a strong priority.

January Seek Insights report Construction (3.4%) Engineering (2.6%) and Trades and Services (1.5%) recorded the strongest monthly growth.  Most industries are now recording annual growth in ad volumes, led by Construction (42.9%).

The BOP region has pockets of activity early in the year with Tauranga in particular, significantly more active in recruitment this January.  Though sales, BDM’s and account manager roles are still small in numbers, more senior hiring requirements are on the rise.

The Auckland market feels buoyant, and optimistic.  As recruiters and generalists, we are having conversations with a broad cross section of industries and businesses and are pleased to report an overall sense of optimism with future planning conversations a focus.  Noted too, is widely reported demand for agency recruiters.  Last year saw most agencies tightening staff numbers, this year it appears there is anticipated demand ahead, with Seek data reporting that human resources and recruitment consultant advertising is up 1% month on month.

If you aren’t already working with us and would like to know more about how we can tailor a package to support your business’s hiring needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the experienced team at Fred.