Demand for artificial intelligence skills within the workplace continues to grow rapidly, new Seek data shows. 

The latest Seek Employment Report showed references to AI-related skills within job ads rose 4.1% in April compared with the previous month. 

References to AI within job ads has more than doubled over the past year. 

AI references within consulting and strategy roles rose 14.3% month on month while advertising, arts and media increased 11.6%. 

Overall, jobs ads rose 0.8% month on month in April and 13.1% annually. 

Seek country manager Rob Clark said references to AI job ads had been steadily increasing over time in New Zealand. 

“The increases we’re seeing likely reflects the broader evolution in demand for AI-related skills and the ability to use AI in day-to-day work,” he said. 

“We’ve been seeing a shift toward more generalised use of AI, with growing emphasis on the ability to apply AI tools in practical settings and support productivity improvements across a wider range of roles.” 

However, AI-related skills in job ads still account for a relatively small share of total job ads, Clark said. 

“Based on historical trends and continued adoption of AI-related tools and capabilities across industries, we can expect references to AI in job ads will likely continue to steadily rise – albeit from a lower share of total job ads,” he said. 

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the Government would slash 8700 public sector jobs, while increasing AI use. 

Speaking on Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast, Willis said she wanted the public service to “get out of the 80s”. 

She said AI was “incredible” at slashing the amount of time needed for mundane tasks, revealing her staff used it to write a report on public service reform. 

Clark said the rise in overall April job ads “suggest the market remains in a steady, if unspectacular, upward trend.” 

“The increased activity through early 2026 is holding its shape.” 

Infrastructure, trades, logistics and operational roles remain strong, Clark said. 

“The South Island continues to be where the numbers are most striking. The region has been a consistent performer throughout this cycle, driven by a concentration of goods-producing industries, infrastructure activity and operational roles that have proven relatively resilient.” 

Monthly job ad volumes in Auckland and Wellington rose 1.6% and 0.4% respectively. 

Job ad volumes in construction rose 2.5% month on month and led annual gains at 44.8%. 

There were also strong monthly increases for trades and services (+3.4%) and manufacturing, transport and logistics (+2.8%).