Bay of Plenty Business News January/February 2017

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16 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS January/February 2017 IT tops SEEK’s most wanted list New Zealand’s highest advertising industry on SEEK for 2016 was information and communications technology [ICT]. However, despite New Zealand’s need to stay digitally connected and develop new technology, SEEK NZ general manager, Janet Faulding, said there is still strong demand for frontline service roles in our labour market. “When we analysed our SEEK data to identify New Zealand’s top jobs outside of the ICT industry, based on the largest job ad volumes and growth over the past 12 months, professionals in frontline service roles, such as social workers and police and corrections officers topped the list, along with early childhood teachers,” Janet revealed. She said New Zealand’s growing population can be credited for helping fuel growth across the top jobs on SEEK for 2016. “We don’t expect demand on SEEK to slow any time soon across these top jobs of 2016, as our population grows so will our need for professionals in frontline services and early childhood education,” Janet said. Social workers Across the country, demand for social workers increased 74.02 percent year on year. The average advertised MOST WANTED JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND Information and communications technology Social workers Police and corrections officers Early childhood teachers salary on SEEK for social workers was $51,961. Police and corrections officers Job advertisements on SEEK for police and corrections officers have nationally increased 163.1 percent year on year. The average advertised salary on SEEK for police and corrections officers was $64,872. “Police and corrections officers are vital roles within our community, which has been reflected through strong job ad growth and demand on SEEK. It will be interesting to watch if the growth we’ve seen in this industry is enough to support our communities for the next 12 months, or if they’ll be looking to hire more people,” Janet said. Early childhood Teachers Nationally, jobs for early childhood teachers on SEEK increased 76.7 percent year on year. The average advertised salary on SEEK for early childhood teachers was $58,711. “We predict there will be on-going strong job ad growth on SEEK for these professionals as our nation continues to grow and we see more guardians returning to work and requiring care for their children during working hours,” Janet said. New Zealand job market There were 9.3 percent more jobs advertised on SEEK this November than 12 months ago, with mixed results across the regions. “Job ads on SEEK for Auckland, New Zealand’s largest labour market, have been firm and steady this November, up 11 percent year on year. “Driving this ad uplift are Auckland’s top advertising industries, which are ICT [up 6 percent], manufacturing, transport and logistics [up 21 percent] and accounting [up 8 percent],” Janet said. “In Wellington, advertising on SEEK was up 3.1 percent this November, when compared with the same period last year. ICT remained our capital’s top advertising industry on SEEK this November,” she added. Canterbury was New Zealand’s weakest major labour market this November, with advertising down 5.7 percent year on year. The largest advertising industries for the Canterbury region were trades and services, construction and engineering. Candidate availability for major job markets At a national level, there has been an increase of 2.5 percent in the SEEK Employment Index this November. This points to favourable conditions for job seekers as there are slightly less applications, for each role. However, underneath this national figure there is a clear difference in candidate availability at a regional level. It was a hirer’s market in Canterbury this November when compared with the same period last year. For each job advertised there was a higher than average number of candidates applying, creating more competition for job seekers but providing hirers with a larger pool of candidates to choose from. “It’s important for job seekers in a hirer’s market, to have an up-to-date SEEK Profile to help them get noticed by prospective employers because they’re applying for jobs in a highly competitive market,” Janet said. “In Auckland and Wellington this November, there were reasonable competition conditions for job seekers and employers,” she continued. Buying a motel touted as a lifestyle change Cashing in on a lack of tourist beds is being encouraged as a way to make a buck in 2017. Richard O’Brien, director of nzbizbuysell.co.nz, a website showcasing businesses for sale, says owning a motel can make excellent lifestyle and economic sense, for those who enjoy meeting a diversity of people and taking pride in running a ship-shape venture. He says tourism is soaring to record heights – and can only flourish when there’s ample quality accommodation. “Motel bed nights have been rising substantially according to Statistics New Zealand, siting a 30 percent rise year on year in August, even before the lucrative summer season. Having a secure, convenient, clean and friendly place to stay, will make or break a visitor’s enjoyment of their trip to New Zealand - no matter how majestic the mountains or pristine the water views. “Summer is the time for immediate financial benefits when owning a motel, with floods of visitors from Asia, those escaping Northern Hemisphere winters and New Zealanders exploring their country by car.” Richard says the advantage of running a motel is that visitors generally remain independent so the owner/operators may choose to be as involved as they wish. It’s not a complicated business model, mainly requiring passion for good service and to be a good organiser - or have assistance from those that do. It can create employment opportunities for friends and relatives. A new owner can usually improve or flavour the business with their style, providing extra features and upgrades - stamping it with that memorable x-factor. He sees all types investing money and themselves into motels, hotels and tourist accommodation and says it can be a long-awaited lifestyle change - an alternative to retirement or an independent profitable change from working for someone else. Previous business experience is not mandatory. Having pride in offering a great service, attention to detail and patience will ensure success Owners can decide to take more of a management role or be completely hands on. This can alternate depending on your lifestyle choices. A well-organised operation will tick along in the absence of their owners. Despite perceptions and tales of hard work involved, taking ...the advantage of running a motel is that visitors generally remain independent so the owner/ operators may choose to be as involved as they wish. a long holiday in the off-peak season is achievable – although the first year will likely involve all hands-on deck. Richard says when it’s time to buy a motel, the process is largely straight forward; talk to brokers and those in the industry; search and inquire about several opportunities that meet your criteria and budget; check that the finances stack up over the past three years. Research the market and what’s on offer. Reviews, such as Trip Advisor, will reveal past client satisfaction and forward bookings provide a snapshot of likely immediate income. He says choosing the right location is the number one consideration – from the bustle and convenience of city life, to an enviable existence in a rural semi-tropical paradise. It’s wise not to stress the budget, and initially leasing rather than owning the premises freehold may be smarter. And always seek professional advice before you sign a contract. Promoting and getting people through the door is vital, but there are many avenues, such as New Zealand accommodation websites, directories, associations and information centres to put you on the map – and of course the loud and far-reaching social media voice. The Motel Association of New Zealand also offers training, support and information. Accommodation options are as varied as the landscapes. Motels, hotels, backpackers, holiday parks, and B&Bs each have specific benefits to suit a new owner’s individuality, budget and ambitions.
BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS January/February 2017 17 Local accommodation provider continues awards hot streak Following their recent win at the 2016 Westpac Tauranga Business Awards, Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers has added another accolade to its collection at the prestigious TNT Golden Backpack Awards for Australasian tourism operators. The Bay of Plenty lodgings won the Best Accommodation - New Zealand section at the annual event, held at the Skypoint on the Gold Coast, which was attended by more than 200 guests We’re honoured to take the top spot and it’s a privilege to help make Bay of Plenty a destination that visitors rave about The awards showcase the best in the adventure and backpacking sector across Australasia. After businesses and organisations are nominated, the awards are open for public voting and the winners are announced. This is the second time that owners Sarah Meadows and Matt Young have won the category, taking Best Accommodation in 2014 and making the finals in 2015. They were also TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award winners last year. Sarah says it was an honour to be nominated alongside prestigious backpacking organisations such as Base Backpackers Queenstown and YHA New Zealand. “These awards are the original and most established awards dedicated to those in the independent travel sector and rewarding companies which work the hardest to make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand that extra bit special. “Backpackers now know the Bay is the best place to come to in New Zealand for you to have the best work-life balance, and we have worked hard to provide a network of contacts and support to help our visitors. “We supply up to 180 workers to agencies, pack houses, orchards – even mums and dads wanting short-term help, such as babysitting or painting the fence. “Thanks to everyone who supported us and put in their vote. “We’re honoured to take the top spot and it’s a privilege to help make Bay of Plenty a destination that visitors rave about.” Tourism Bay of Plenty head of marketing Kath Low congratulates Sarah and Matt on their achievement and acknowledges their ongoing contribution to the tourism industry in the region. “We couldn’t be a thriving, attractive destination without operators who are confident in their knowledge of the region and passionate about what they do. “Sarah and Matt are a testament to this, constantly providing outstanding service to every single person that walks through their doors, and we thank them for their hard work and dedication.” Kath adds that the regional tourism organisation is always looking to engage and support their industry, and encourages new and existing businesses to make contact. “We know we are only as good as the people who are at the forefront of our industry and we want to ensure we are supporting the businesses and operators who make our tourism industry tick. Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers owners Matt Young and Sarah Meadows. “Please feel free to make contact with myself or any of the team if you would like us to pay a visit, or if you seek guidance or direction in any way.” 70129
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Bay of Plenty Business News January/February 2017

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