The Department of Labour says the number of jobs advertised rose 7.7% in December compared with a year ago, led by demand for skilled workers in the Canterbury region.
But the department's jobs online index found seasonally adjusted job ads fell from November - December, indicating employers were cautious about hiring.
It says the trend has been downwards since May, signalling a sluggish labour market.
The department forecasts employment growth of 1.3% in the year to March and 1.6% the year after.
