The Future of New Zealand's Job Market: Trends and Predictions

Welcome to a future-facing exploration of New Zealand's job market. As we navigate an ever-evolving world, keeping a close eye on the future trends and predictions in the employment landscape can help us stay ahead, ready to adapt and thrive with change.

Overview of Current Trends in New Zealand's Job Market

The New Zealand job market is booming with a high demand for people almost across all industries. This has led to the realisation by many organisations that they need to widen their search and expand the locations roles can be based from.

The Job Market estimates that a minimum of 40% of roles currently being advertised are either avaible across multiple locations or as a work from home option.

Predicted Future Trends in New Zealand's Job Market

Eyeing on the future, varied sizable predictions have been made concerning the NZ job market. These encompass:

1. The rise of remote work:

Since Covid many people (estimated to be at least 40% of people are working from home either fulltime or on a part-time basis. Many organisations require their remote workforce to attend a weekly face to face meeting. Some people still prefer to travel to work while others report they are much more productive at home without the interruptions of work colleagues.

2. The impact of automation and artificial intelligence on job roles:

The rise of AI means many jobs are now able to output much more material in what seems unbelievable timeframes. As more and more of us find the AI tool that helps them become more effective and efficient will the demands on our workforce grow.

Automation is hitting primary industries around the world and across New Zealand, and with the shortage of workers in many industries is predicted to grow substantially over the next 3-5 years. In New Zealand, we predict that roles such as harvesting fruit and vegetables, vineyards, hops etc will be some of the first to use technology to tackle the shortage of workers. This may affect schemes that bring in overseas workers for this work.

3. The increasing importance of soft skills:

Soft skills, often referred to as ‘People skills’ here in New Zealand, have become and will continue to be in hot demand. As technology and tools like AI make it easier to complete complex tasks, it will be the job that requires face-to-face interaction with other humans that will continue to grow in demand.

Other skills that may be considered soft skills are the communications necessities like presenting, writing and learning how to be humble while also promoting yourself, your business, idea or product.

4. The growth of the contractor and freelance communities:

Specialist skillsets will continue to move into contracting and freelance work, and the growth of small businesses will thrive as they learn and understand how to take advantage of the work-from-home model and how it enables the much-talked-about global marketplace. This is already happening, and those who are willing to take a leap of faith may find they have the advantage of those who sit and wait. There are many marketplaces popping up that enable you to be promoted across the globe; however, this is a two-way street, as you are also now competing with a global workforce.

5. The need for lifelong learning and upskilling:

The job for life is now long gone. The world of upskilling and continual learning is upon us.

In New Zealand, we have noticed the upsurge of roles for people with te ao Māori and te reo Māori skills. It is important to note the Iwi economy is booming.

“The Māori economy has grown from $16 billion to $70 billion in 20 years, and with a projected growth of 5 per cent per annum, that's expected to reach $100 billion in assets by 2030”.

Also, try getting a senior role in the government sector without learning about Māori culture and being capable of basic te reo skills. I say, ‘best of luck’.

Many, many people will move to become self-employed, and the major global trend of the last five years has been the rise of the cottage industry. I love this and have seen it taking place both locally and around the country. Again, to do this, you will need to have the all-important “people skills” and be prepared to fund a lifetime of learning to succeed and stay relevant. This will also bring back the term of the all-rounder, those small businesspeople who do their own marketing, production and manage the books.

Preparing for the Future of New Zealand's Job Market

With these trends on the horizon, it is beneficial for both job seekers and employers to start preparing now. Read on for some strategies on how to do this:

• Be prepared to start a lifelong learning journey.

• Start to learn skills that will be helpful for probable future employment and potentially help you become a freelancer or small business owner sooner than you may think.

• Do you have the skills to work remotely on a global basis? Do you think you might be better off learning some?

• If you want to engage with the biggest growing sector in Aotearoa and or a career in Government, consider starting your te reo Māori journey earlier rather than later

• Be great at what you do; the competition is going to get global at some stage.

• Work on your soft skills.

Join the Conversation: Your Thoughts on the Future of New Zealand's Job Market

So, there we have it, the predicted trends and their potential impact on New Zealand's future job market. Do you see a different future? Or do you have your own strategies to adapt to these changes? Share your insights and thoughts in the comments section below. Let's navigate the future together.

Hope you found this thought provoking.

Tony Cutting
for The Job Market