The cost of living, flexible hours or a career change are just three things that could be behind a surge in job seekers.
New data from Trade Me revealed the number of people applying for jobs is nearly twice as many as at the same time last year.
Last quarter, every region hit a record average salary.
But the regions with the largest annual salary growth were Wellington, Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough - each with an average pay rise between 9 and 10 percent compared to the same time last year.
Salary growth also surpassed inflation. Trade Me registered an 8 percent annual increase in average salary - 2 percent higher than inflation.
Out of the 25 industries Trade Me monitors, a whopping 15 logged a record average salary last quarter. Healthcare topped the list, with a 10 percent increase.
Watch the full video for more.
