About
Working In Hawke's Bay
Agriculture the biggest employer in the region
In 2007, the agriculture industry employed the most people (7,600) and generated the third highest income ($511 million) for the Hawke’s Bay.
Other industries that are big employers and earners for the region include:
- food and beverage manufacturing
- horticulture
- business services, which includes legal and accounting, marketing and management services
- education
- health services.
The education industry is a big employer in the Hawke's Bay region
Food and beverage manufacturing the highest earner and a big employer
Industries such as agriculture and horticulture are well supported in the Hawke’s Bay by a well established food and beverage manufacturing industry. It is the regions biggest income earner, generating around $682 million for the region in 2007, and third biggest employer, with approximately 124 businesses and employing 5,241 people.
Overall employment numbers in food and beverage manufacturing have been falling over the last five years. This is due to increased automation in large-scale factories. Despite this, the industry offers a diverse range of seasonal and permanent job opportunities, and demand for staff is ongoing. Areas of work include:
- winemaking and beer brewing
- food engineering
- baking
- meat processing.
Hospitality and tourism steadily growing
An area of growth and steady demand for staff is hospitality and tourism. For example, in 2007, there were 480 hotels, motels, backpackers, cafes and restaurants operational and employing 2,879 people in the region (up 10.6% on the previous year).
One reason for the growth in hospitality is increased tourist numbers visiting the region. The Hawke’s Bay's international profile has risen as a result of growth in other industries such as horticulture and wine-making.
Many jobs in this industry are driven by the seasonal influxes of domestic and international visitors, though permanent positions still exist. These jobs are in high demand and include:
- hotel, motel, restaurant or bar mangers
- bar staff
- housekeeping staff
- waitresses.
Job numbers on the rise in sport and recreation and business services
The construction industry is fast growing in Hawke's Bay.
Fast growing industries in the Hawke’s Bay include:
- sport and recreation
- business services
- building construction.
Growth in these areas is driven by a growing population increasing demand for housing and recreational services. For example, i sport and recreation, large numbers of jobs were added over the last five years (326), an average of a 12% rise per year, following nationwide trends.
While there is currently a housing market slowdown, these industries are expected to continue to offer significant employment in the region, as the size of some local businesses are growing, requiring more staff, and population growth continues.
Key industries
Facts and stats
Top 10 industries by number of people employed (2007)
| Industry type | People employed |
| Agriculture | 7,607 |
| Business Services | 5,417 |
| Food, Beverage and Tobacco | 5,241 |
| Services to Agriculture; Hunting and Trapping | 4,073 |
| Education | 3,756 |
| Health Services | 3,456 |
| Construction Trade Services | 3,032 |
| Personal and Household Good Retailing | 2,883 |
| Accommodation, Cafes and Restaurants | 2,879 |
| Food Retailing | 2,829 |
Source: Business and Economic Research Limited, ‘Regional TA Database’, March 2007.
Job vacancies in Hawke’s Bay (2007)
| Job title | Number of vacancies |
| Housekeeping and Restaurant Services Workers | 267 |
| Market Farmers and Crop Growers | 197 |
| Specialised Managers | 165 |
| Salespersons and Demonstrators | 148 |
| Finance and Sales Associate Professionals | 112 |
| Packers and Freight Handlers | 111 |
| Personal Care Workers | 109 |
| Agricultural, Earthmoving and Other Materials-Handling Equipment Operators | 87 |
| Building Caretakers and Cleaners | 87 |
| Motor Vehicle Drivers | 81 |
Source: Department of Labour, ‘Job Vacancy Monitor’, December 2007, (
www.dol.govt.nz).
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