Time to move forward NZ and kickstart our economic growth.
Wow – the last two years have been a slog for many and our NZ economy has created a very challenging market for the vast majority of sectors, employers and likewise for job seekers.
The results of record talent migration to Australia and further afield has not yet been realised by many employers however, it is creating huge gaps at levels and numbers we have never, personally, seen previously and will certainly change the landscape for NZ employers in the very near future. We have seen unprecedented migration at leadership levels, given diminished opportunities at these levels in NZ (over 2025/2025) and it is unlikely that we will see people at this level return, with serious leadership talent deficits forecast for the future.
Whilst multiple organisations across our markets have been forced to adapt, cut costs and make adjustments to pivot during this time, at some point employers and consumers need to make decisions to start reinvesting in supporting economic growth. This is about supporting local businesses to once again thrive (like we all did so well during Covid), moving ahead with hiring plans and growth plans and moving forward with a growth mindset versus a cautious one, ‘put things on pause mode’, which further serves a stagnant economy.
Businesses will no doubt continue to innovate, looking at ways to operate at the highest level of performance, utilise AI and technology to assist this. Responsible employers and organisations will no doubt wish to do so with ethical consideration which supports broader economic growth, NZ culture and long term success for all New Zealanders, both here and on the global stage.
We clearly have some work to do, in terms of rebuilding faith in the NZ economy, creating exceptional pathways (at all levels) for people and their careers, and a compelling ‘Why?’ so people choose to both stay in NZ (to retain this talent) as well as attract Kiwis who are, to overseas to come home and bring skilled talent to NZ.
The one thing we can all do as we come to the end of a tough 2025 and head into 2026 is to ‘Adopt a Mindset of Growth’. Here are some of our top tips for supporting our country and Kiwi businesses below:
– Spend your consumer dollar, wherever possible – In NZ and with Kiwi businesses andshop local. Employers, partner with Kiwi organisations wherever possible when outsourcing and engaging external partners
– Spend time with your people to develop pathways, create challenge and understand how to tap into high performance and intrinsic drivers
– Create engaging and genuine work environments that help people to thrive and love what they do!
– Give and openly ask for feedback (especially as leaders) and connect at all levels of your organisation, markets and stakeholder groups
– Focus on excellence and customer engagement and partnership success
– Communicate regularly and openly with your people, organisation and market
A note of thanks to all of our wonderful and longstanding Fusion Partners clients, partnersand individuals that we have the privilege of supporting (in good times and bad) and these relationships and partnerships are why we do what we do and are very highly valued!
Here is to positive 2026 and to us all doing what we can to drive a vastly improved and once again thriving NZ economy in the near future.
