The Top 10 IT Skills in Demand in New Zealand in 2023

According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, skilled jobs like IT are projected to grow at the fastest rate in the next three years.

This is important news for anyone beginning or growing their technology career. In the past year, the threat of a global recession has hit the New Zealand technology sector hard.

The question is, which IT skills will be in the highest demand this year? What IT roles should you target in your job search that will lead to a lasting and lucrative career?

Read on to find out the top ten IT skills New Zealand employers are looking for.

1. Software Development

The vast majority of New Zealand technology revenue comes from overseas and in the face of a potential global recession, this can create uncertainty for IT jobs. One of the most recession-safe IT skills to have is software development, as most businesses consider their software a necessity even during times of financial uncertainty.

Software developers are also in high demand due to an overall shortage of New Zealand IT professionals with a software development background. Now is the ideal time to learn software development skills without facing tough competition.

2. Cloud Computing

Gone are the days when a company’s data is all located on a server accessed by a single computer. Cloud data storage is the solution for businesses both large and small, but transferring to a cloud-based system comes with challenges. Cloud computing is a desirable IT skill as more New Zealand companies embrace systems like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web.

3. Cybersecurity

Cyber-attacks are on the rise and are growing in sophistication. As New Zealand follows the global trend of embracing remote and hybrid work, company-wide cyber-security is a must and will take robust efforts to put into place. As a result, companies are seeking cybersecurity professionals for contracted and full-time roles.

4. Artificial Intelligence

We’ve watched ChatGPT blow up in popularity in the last few quarters, proving the desire for AI across industries. What many business owners are only just beginning to realize is that AI technology still requires driving and maintenance to function at a sophisticated level. You can expect high demand for artificial intelligence skills, both from AI development firms and the companies that utilize AI technology.

5. Basic Programming

Whether you’re new to the IT sector or you want to gain a competitive edge as a non-IT employee, it’s time to learn basic programming. Knowing how to read and develop simple code in C, Python, Java, C++, or C# will make you a valuable asset across industries. By learning programming basics, you set yourself up to develop a more complex knowledge of coding, allowing you to grow with your employer’s needs.

6. UI/UX Design

IT experts are also needed for customer-facing products in addition to the software and technology used for internal operations. UI and UX designers combine marketing and research skills with crucial design skills, developing websites, mobile applications, and other customer-facing programs that boost sales and enhance user experience. If you’re drawn to both marketing and technology, consider focusing your search on UI/UX skills.

7. Data Engineering

Data engineering is an umbrella term that encompasses several IT skills, making data engineers some of the most competitive and best-paid IT professionals in the New Zealand workforce. Engineering includes:

• software engineering skills
• data analysis skills
• cloud computing skills
• data development skills.

Engineers are responsible for tasks like collecting and analyzing data, improving data storage, and optimizing data storage spending to meet the company’s budgetary needs.

8. Business Analysis and Intelligence

As we progress into the digital age, companies have a larger wealth of data to pull from to make necessary changes for improved performance. BA and BI are often considered two sides of the same coin, but they fulfill different needs.

Business analysis is the process of analyzing a company’s historical data to make predictions about future performance. Business intelligence is the process of analyzing a company’s historical data to make better decisions about present-day operations. Often, the same applicant can perform both skills.

9. Application Security

Application security often falls under the umbrella of cybersecurity, though it is notably distinct from network security. App security specialists work with software developers to ensure security during all phases of software development.

An application security specialist is responsible for protecting software code during early development. They are also responsible for detecting and fixing security lapses and glitches in a piece of software throughout its lifespan.

10. Product Management

Technology companies are on the hunt for employees who can:

• create a product strategy
• analyze product performance and redesign to fix issues
• prioritize customer experience, performance, impact, and post-launch support

IT product managers work side by side with other design and tech professionals. They may help to launch new software, AI, robotics, and other tech-related products.

Put Your IT Skills to Work With Sourced

Technology careers were under threat in the past year. Now, we’re seeing a resurgence of IT jobs on the market. By focusing on the most in-demand IT skills in the New Zealand technology sector, you can become a competitive applicant.

Developing a strong CV is only the first step toward landing your next IT job. Being one of the first applicants to apply to a new listing can make the difference you need to secure an interview.

To stay on top of the latest IT jobs in New Zealand, register for job alerts from Sourced. Sourced is a specialized IT recruitment agency in Christchurch and Auckland that can help you pair your talent with the companies looking for it.

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