IBM Websphere skills are also in demand, and requirements for project managers and business analysts continue to be strong.

"We're seeing more industry-specific skill sets being demanded now, for example, telco-oriented business analysts and project managers, whereas previously, the demand was for BA/PM skills in general."

Demand for telecomms skills is strong in Wellington, driven by government projects such as the National Infrastructure Plan, Carian says, but is less marked in Auckland.

But while certain areas are experiencing a skills shortage, overall, it is not a candidates' market in the way 2007-08 was, he says.

"Apart from in those rare skill-sets, there are more ICT candidates in the marketplace.