
Seek Job Site NZ: Find Jobs, Compare Indeed & More
Few things are as nerve-wracking as searching for a job in a new country, but the right job board can make all the difference. According to the official New Zealand government employment service, the country’s top job sites include SEEK, Indeed, and Trade Me Jobs — each with its own strengths.
SEEK’s position: #1 employment marketplace in NZ (Google Play (Android app store)) ·
Active jobs on Trade Me: 9,372 (Trade Me Jobs (New Zealand’s largest online marketplace)) ·
Active jobs on Indeed: 8,081 (Indeed NZ (global job search engine))
Quick snapshot
- SEEK is Australia and New Zealand’s #1 employment marketplace (Google Play)
- Work and Income lists SEEK, Indeed, and Trade Me Jobs as top job search websites (Work and Income (NZ government employment service))
- Immigration NZ highlights healthcare, IT, construction, and engineering as in-demand sectors (Immigration New Zealand (official immigration authority))
- Exact number of SEEK job listings is not publicly available; figures vary across sources
- Which site is best for foreigners depends on visa sponsorship filters, which are not consistently applied
- Job demand is rising in IT and healthcare sectors according to Immigration NZ, and SEEK’s own top 20 list reflects this trend (Immigration New Zealand)
- Job seekers should create profiles on multiple platforms and set up alerts to catch new listings early
- Foreigners should check Immigration NZ’s visa sponsorship guidance and use SEEK’s filter for sponsorship roles
“SEEK is a site to search for jobs, get daily job emails, and post a CV online.”
Work and Income (NZ government employment service)
The following table summarizes key data points from the official job portals and government sources.
| Attribute | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SEEK’s claim | No.1 employment marketplace in NZ | Google Play |
| Active jobs on Trade Me | 9,372 | Trade Me Jobs |
| Active jobs on Indeed NZ | 8,081 | Indeed NZ |
| Top job category | IT (software developer, etc.) | Immigration New Zealand |
What are the best job search sites in New Zealand?
Top 5 job search sites: SEEK, Indeed, Trade Me Jobs, LinkedIn, Work and Income
- SEEK – The #1 employment marketplace in Australia and New Zealand, according to its Google Play listing. It connects job seekers with thousands of companies and covers locations from Auckland to Wellington (Google Play).
- Indeed – The world’s largest job site, with 8,081 active jobs in New Zealand as of July 2026. It offers salary comparisons and company reviews (Indeed NZ).
- Trade Me Jobs – One of New Zealand’s biggest job portals, listing 9,372 jobs across hospitality, healthcare, construction, education, and more (Trade Me Jobs).
- LinkedIn – Best for professional networking and corporate roles. Not explicitly listed by Work and Income but widely used for career development.
- Work and Income – The official New Zealand government job portal, which also provides links to other sites and supports migrants (Work and Income).
How to choose the best site for your needs
If you’re looking for maximum volume, SEEK is the obvious starting point. But Trade Me Jobs often has roles from local employers that don’t appear elsewhere. Indeed’s global reach means you might find remote or multinational opportunities. For government and public service roles, the official NZ Government Jobs (official public service jobs portal) lists 1,905 available positions. The catch: no single site covers everything. Job seekers should use at least two platforms to avoid missing out.
For most job seekers in New Zealand, the smartest approach is to start with SEEK for breadth, supplement with Trade Me Jobs for local depth, and check Indeed for unique listings. Government jobs require a separate portal.
The pattern: casting a wide net across multiple boards is the most effective strategy.
Is Seek an NZ company?
Ownership and history of SEEK
SEEK was founded in Australia in 1997 and is a publicly listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange. It operates in New Zealand as a subsidiary of the Australian parent company. The SEEK app explicitly covers “Australia and New Zealand” as a single market (Google Play).
How SEEK operates in New Zealand
While SEEK is not a New Zealand company, it has a dedicated New Zealand website (nz.seek.com) and a large local presence. It is the dominant job board in the country, with more listings than any other platform. The New Zealand government’s Work and Income website lists SEEK as a primary resource for job seekers (Work and Income).
For foreign job seekers, SEEK’s status as a subsidiary of an Australian company means it’s well-established and trustworthy, but it also means that visa sponsorship policies are determined by New Zealand immigration law, not SEEK itself.
The implication: trust the platform for volume, but always verify visa details with official sources.
What jobs are currently in demand in New Zealand?
Top 20 in-demand jobs according to SEEK Employer
SEEK publishes a list of New Zealand’s top 20 in-demand jobs. The list consistently features roles in healthcare (nurses, aged care workers), IT (software developers, systems analysts), construction (electricians, project managers), and engineering (civil engineers). Immigration New Zealand also identifies these sectors as high-demand (Immigration New Zealand).
How to identify in-demand skills
Job seekers can use SEEK’s “Skills” filter or browse by category to see which roles have the most vacancies. The Trade Me Jobs portal also shows job counts per category. For example, healthcare and IT each have thousands of active listings. The pattern: technical and hands-on trades are where the demand is strongest, and that’s unlikely to change soon.
“Healthcare, IT, construction, and engineering are in-demand sectors for migrants.”
Immigration New Zealand
Which one is better, Indeed or SEEK?
Feature comparison: SEEK vs Indeed vs Trade Me Jobs
Three platforms, one pattern: SEEK leads in volume, Indeed leads in global reach, Trade Me Jobs leads in local depth.
| Feature | SEEK | Indeed | Trade Me Jobs | Work and Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claimed market position | #1 in NZ & Australia | World’s largest job site | One of NZ’s biggest job portals | Official government portal |
| Active jobs (approx.) | 50,000+ (estimated) | 8,081 | 9,372 | Not listed |
| Best for | Broadest range of NZ jobs | Global and remote roles | Local NZ employers | Government and migrant services |
| Free for job seekers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visa sponsorship filter | Yes (search option) | Not explicitly | Not explicitly | Information for migrants |
| Salary data | Limited | Yes (salary comparisons) | Some | No |
The trade-off: SEEK has the most listings, but Indeed offers better salary transparency and global reach. Trade Me Jobs is a strong alternative for local roles. Work and Income is essential for understanding government support and visa pathways.
For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Seek vs Indeed vs Trade Me Jobs: Which NZ job board is best?.
What is the New Zealand website for jobs for foreigners?
Best job sites for expats and migrants
For foreigners, SEEK is the primary website. It allows users to filter by visa sponsorship, making it easier to find employers willing to support work visas. The New Zealand government’s Work and Income portal also provides guidance for migrants, and Immigration New Zealand’s website is the authoritative source for visa requirements (Immigration New Zealand).
Visa sponsorship jobs on SEEK
SEEK’s advanced search includes a “Visa sponsorship” checkbox. When selected, it shows only jobs where the employer has indicated they are willing to sponsor a visa. This is a key feature for foreigners, as it saves time by filtering out roles that require existing work rights.
How to filter for visa sponsorship on SEEK
- Go to nz.seek.com and enter your search terms.
- Click “All filters” (or “More filters”) and scroll to “Visa sponsorship”.
- Check the box and apply. The results will show only jobs that offer sponsorship.
Immigration New Zealand also recommends that job seekers register with recruitment agencies and set up job alerts based on their profession and country of residence (Immigration New Zealand).
Confirmed facts
- SEEK is the #1 employment marketplace in NZ
- Work and Income lists SEEK, Indeed, Trade Me Jobs as top sites
- Healthcare and IT are the most in-demand sectors
- Trade Me Jobs has 9,372 active listings
- Indeed NZ has 8,081 active listings
What’s unclear
- Exact number of SEEK listings is not publicly confirmed
- How many jobs on SEEK actually offer visa sponsorship is not disclosed
- The total number of active job seekers using each platform is not publicly known
- The percentage of jobs on Trade Me that are exclusive to the platform is unclear
- The accuracy of Indeed’s salary comparisons for New Zealand roles is not independently verified
For job seekers in New Zealand, the choice is clear: use SEEK for the widest range of local jobs, supplement with Indeed for global reach and salary data, and check Trade Me Jobs for niche local roles. If you’re a foreigner, the visa sponsorship filter on SEEK is your best starting point, but always cross-reference with Immigration New Zealand’s official guidance. The job market is competitive, but with the right platforms, you can find the opportunity that fits.
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For those looking beyond the main centers, Seek jobs in Palmerston North offer a focused look at regional opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a SEEK profile?
Go to nz.seek.com and click “Sign in”. You can register with an email address or Google account. Once registered, you can upload your CV, set job alerts, and apply directly.
Can I apply for jobs on SEEK without registering?
No, you need to create a free account to apply for jobs. Browsing listings is possible without registration, but applications require a profile.
Is SEEK free for job seekers?
Yes, SEEK is completely free for job seekers. Employers pay to post listings, but candidates can search, apply, and set up alerts at no cost.
How long does it take to get a job through SEEK?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on your industry, experience, and the demand for your role. Setting up job alerts and applying quickly to new listings can speed up the process.
How to search for part-time jobs on SEEK?
Use the “Work type” filter in the search results. Select “Part-time” to see only roles that offer part-time hours.
Are there seasonal jobs on SEEK?
Yes, SEEK lists seasonal jobs, especially in tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. Use keywords like “seasonal” or “casual” in your search.
How to upload a CV on SEEK?
After signing in, go to your profile and click “CV & Cover Letters”. You can upload a PDF or Word document, or create a SEEK profile CV.
How to set up job alerts on SEEK?
After performing a search, click “Save search” or “Create alert”. You can set the frequency (daily or weekly) and choose to receive alerts by email or in-app.