Job advertisements in New Zealand fell 0.8 percent in July, marking the third consecutive monthly decline and pointing to a softening labour market despite year-on-year growth of 6.2 percent, according to SEEK's employment report released on Tuesday.

Applications per job ad rose 1.6 percent in June, suggesting candidates faced stiffer competition for fewer vacancies. Auckland ads fell 0.9 percent and Wellington declined 1.3 percent, with weakness in sales, manufacturing and government roles, while only four regions recorded monthly growth. "Conditions remain strongest in the South Island, while larger centres, including Auckland, Wellington and Waikato, continue to face greater headwinds," said Rob Clark, SEEK New Zealand country manager.

At an industry level, mining, resources and energy showed the strongest momentum, with ads up 3.3 percent for the month and 38.5 percent over the year. Construction fell 0.9 percent nationally, and healthcare and medical roles declined 1.4 percent. The figures follow official labour market data showing unemployment rose to 5.6 percent in the June quarter, RNZ business (NZ) reports.