Strong economic growth has supported confidence in the labour market, an economist says.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
The Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index rose 2.6 points to 112.7 in the three months to December, from the previous quarter.
A reading over 100 means optimists outnumber pessimists.
Confidence in the labour market is now at its highest level since 2009. This is in line with the unemployment rate falling to 4.9 percent in September, the lowest it has been in eight years.
Westpac Bank chief economist Michael Gordon said job opportunities had increased in line with strong economic growth.
"The largest gains have been seen in the regions, with the improved outlook for the dairy sector a likely factor that has supported confidence in the labour market and economy more generally," he said.
However, he said workers were concerned about slow wage growth.
"This will be an important issue for the economy over 2017. Consumer price inflation is set to rise, and this could erode households' purchasing power."