Wellington Job Market a ‘Shocker’ as 600 People Apply for Casual Mini-Putt Role

A casual mini-putt job in Wellington has drawn more than 600 applicants, painting a grim picture of the city’s struggling job market as locals compete fiercely for even low-hour, minimum wage roles.

Welly-Putt owner David Kirby said he was stunned by the response after advertising a Christmas casual position on Seek. The role — offering just 5 to 15 hours a week — was meant to attract students or those seeking extra income but instead brought in candidates “from all walks of life,” including people he described as “overqualified.”

“You definitely get a vibe that it’s people who just need a job,” Kirby said. “There’s a lot of people applying who realistically aren’t going to be the right fit, but definitely the whole spectrum, for sure.”

The position, paying minimum wage, was one of 558 listings on Seek for Wellington jobs under $50,000 per year — significantly fewer than in Auckland or Christchurch.

Welly-Putt owner David Kirby was surprised to receive more than 600 applications for a part time casual role at his mini golf business. Photo / Tobias Macintosh

‘It Feels Like a Lottery’

One woman who applied for the role said finding work in Wellington now feels hopeless.

“It just feels like an impossible task,” she said. “Even when you’re putting your best foot forward, everything’s good on paper, you’re interviewing well — you’re still not getting anywhere.”

She described the job hunt as “emotionally distressing,” saying the uncertainty over income was beginning to “upend” her life.

“It’s so hard to stay motivated. It feels like a lottery,” she said.

Unemployment on the Rise

New data shows Wellington’s unemployment rate climbed from 2.8% to 4.8% in the year to June 2025, the sharpest rise in over a decade. Analysts attribute much of this to public sector job cuts.

According to Infometrics, the number of Jobseeker Support recipients in Wellington increased 16% from last year to 7157 people, the highest since records began in 2009.

Kirby said his heart went out to those struggling to find work.

“It must be really demoralising. I can’t imagine what it’s like for people out there at the minute,” he said.

He has personally reviewed hundreds of applications and interviewed around 25 candidates, hoping to hire just two or three.

“People ask for feedback, but most didn’t even do much wrong. It’s just the numbers game,” he said. “The job market right now is an absolute shocker.”