No longer just the farming capital of New Zealand, Waikato’s penchant for encouraging innovative, privately owned business is attracting top level talent, writes Judy Davison, Asset Recruitment’s Executive and Permanent Recruitment Specialist.

I feel for those Hamiltonians who get up at the crack of dawn to commute up State Highway 1 to work in Auckland. Don’t get me wrong, Auckland is a vibrant, multi-cultural city with a bounty of employment opportunities, but we also have jobs here in Waikato that rival those of the big city, with lifestyle and property benefits to boot.

Changing employment outlook

During my two decades in Waikato’s recruitment scene, I have seen a real change in the region’s business. Although we are fortunate to have big employers such as Fonterra, LIC and Gallagher operating their headquarters out of Hamilton and providing a range of employment opportunities for candidates at all levels of their career, Waikato is no longer just New Zealand’s dairy farming mecca.

Over the last few years more and more innovative, privately owned organisations are popping up in the region, bringing with them exciting opportunities for employment. Some of these organisations are looking for experienced, executive level candidates so I’m always keen to meet with potential job seekers who may be suitable for these roles. Establishing these networks early on gives me insight into a candidate’s skill level and their ideal career direction. This ensures when a role presents itself, I already have in mind a number of high calibre candidates.

Waikato’s business culture

What I’ve also noticed is that some Waikato businesses are still utilising the services of Auckland recruitment companies for specialised and executive roles. Our team understands the market and business culture here in Waikato, so we are well placed to help companies with their recruitment needs, no matter what level they’re hiring at. In addition to some of the country’s most innovative organisations, Waikato offers a number of lifestyle, property and education benefits for those relocating from bigger cities.

At Asset Recruitment we enjoy the challenge of bringing highly talented executive candidates to the region, so if you’re looking to recruit for an executive position or are seeking your next opportunity, do get in touch. I’d welcome the opportunity to position excellence for you.

This article was first published in the Waikato Business News, August 2018.