Alright lads and lasses we’re a bit late but, 2025 is here, and we’re about to drop some predictions that are so on point, you’ll want to bookmark this post and come back to it for reference. Forget the boring, predictable stuff – we’re talking about trends that actually matter, the sectors about to blow up, and the moments that’ll have everyone talking… with the occasional wild card to keep you on your toes.
Spoiler alert: you won’t hear us saying “just another year of the same.” Nope. This is the year we all crush it. Ready for the ride?
Let’s go.
The Job Market…What’s on the cards?
- Wellbeing & Flexible Work:
- Wellbeing will continue to be a top priority in the job market. Employers are still trying to find that balance between flexible working models and getting teams back into the office for collaboration and culture. The trick? Creating engaging office environments while offering hybrid options to keep employees happy.
- Boom in Live Projects & Labour Needs:
- Auckland will see a massive rise in live projects this year, especially in sectors like Data Centres, Health/Retirement, and Residential.
- We expect a challenging first half, but things to boom in the second half of the year. The job market will expand, and unemployment should drop around mid-2025 as demand picks up.
- New Clients & Less Risk:
- With a more stable market, the risk has decreased, meaning we predict an increase in fresh clients for project-based work. Companies are likely to move forward with confidence.
- Economic Stimulus & Government Projects:
- Big government-backed projects, especially in infrastructure, will get a boost this year, helping to stimulate the economy and help sectors like architecture pick up momentum.
- Industry Predictions:
- Energy Crisis & Renewable Energy Boom: As New Zealand faces an energy crisis, population growth, more EVs on the road, and large-scale data centres will push the renewable energy sector to new heights.
- Residential Construction: With interest rates dropping and material costs at their lowest in years, the residential construction sector will see a rebound, especially given the ongoing housing shortage.
- Mining Resurgence: Watch for a resurgence in mining, with government actions likely to make it easier to explore resources like gold, oil, and gas.
- Commercial Growth: Expect sectors like healthcare, education, and prisons to see increased funding and prioritisation, keeping the commercial sector busy for years.
- Trades Recruitment: A continued need for skilled tradespeople in construction and infrastructure. Roles focused on renewable energy and sustainability will see a spike in demand.
- Construction Sector Forecast:
- 2025 is shaping up as the year of the “Smart Site” with increased use of drones, AI, and technology on construction sites. The sector may face challenges securing skilled workers, especially machinery operators, but tech innovations will help.
- Infrastructure development will see a surge, particularly in resilient projects after extreme weather events. Expect more flood protection and climate-adaptive construction, making roles in sustainable construction highly sought after.
- Skilled Labour Market Tightening:
- As specialised roles in sustainable and green infrastructure grow, the labour market will become even more competitive. Companies will need to adjust to this shift to secure talent.
Sports, Politics, Tech, and Cultural Shifts, what’s on the horizon?
- Women’s Sports on the Rise:
- Women’s sports, particularly in football and rugby, are going to continue gaining popularity. We expect more visibility and support as these sports break boundaries and attract larger audiences.
- AI’s Growing Influence:
- 2025 will be the year AI becomes even stronger and more embedded in our daily lives. It’ll make life easier with time-saving benefits but, let’s be real, it might also cause some job worries as automation continues to rise. Buckle up, AI is here to stay, it’s time to upskill and stay relevant.
- Wellness Trends Focus on Longevity:
- Wellness will be all about living longer, healthier lives in 2025. We expect a surge in trends related to longevity, from diet to lifestyle changes, as people aim to optimise their health for the long run.
- New Zealand Becomes a Hot Spot for Investment:
- Amid global chaos, New Zealand is going to shine as a desirable place to live and invest in for wealthy and skilled foreigners. Expect a surge in immigration and private investment across various sectors.
- Hybrid/Remote Work in Tech & SME Focus:
- Hybrid and remote work will remain strong in the tech industry, and candidates will lean towards working for smaller, more agile SMEs instead of larger enterprises. Expect work-life balance and flexible arrangements to become even more important.
- Work-Life Balance: Mental Health Takes the Spotlight:
- Mental health, burnout, and work-life balance will continue to be major talking points in 2025. Companies will ramp up efforts to prioritise employee well-being, offering more mental health days and flexible work options. We’re already seeing job vacancies with added annual leave to promote a better balance.
- Cultural Insights: The Year of Optimism:
- After a tough 2024, positivity is set to dominate the conversation in 2025. People will start to shift from doom and gloom towards a renewed sense of confidence, focusing on growth and momentum, both in the workplace and in society at large – this is something to smile about!
- “Build Back Better” Mentality Gains Momentum:
- There will be growing public interest in how infrastructure projects can better serve both environmental and social outcomes. We expect to see a stronger focus on sustainable construction practices, with more emphasis on environmental impact assessments and community engagement throughout 2025.
- Mental Health at Work: It’s About More Than a Nap:
- Mental health will become a top priority in the workplace. No more pretending “mental health days” are just for naps – managers will genuinely care and take active steps to ensure their teams are well. Mental health workshops will become as normal as safety training, and the realisation that a well-rested and happy team is more productive will take hold. We back this completely, and truly hope others will too.
Now here’s where things take a weird and wonderful turn, placing bets…
- The Warriors Bring Home the Gold:
- This is the year the Warriors finally bring home the gold – mark our words. Football’s always going to be a big deal, but the Warriors are going to dominate.
- Competition Winners (Calling It Now):
- Champions League: Barcelona
- EPL: Liverpool (obviously)
- FA Cup: Man United
- A League: Auckland FC
- Half-Marathon Achievement:
- This year, a few of the team have half marathons in their sights, we hear they’re looking to rope in a few workmates…anyone keen?
- NRL:
- The Warriors will make the top 8 and uncover some freakish homegrown talent. Next year though? Watch out, 2026 could be their year.
- Boxing:
- Joe Parker will regain the heavyweight title in 2025, no doubt about it.
- UFC:
- One of Izzy, Kai, or Carlos from City Kickboxing will hold a UFC title in 2025. If Dan Hooker fights for a title, it’ll make Paddy’s year. Bring it on!
- Crocs in the Corporate World:
- 2025 is the year it officially becomes acceptable to wear Crocs in a corporate environment. (Adam’s fingers crossed (and toes) are crossed for this one, we aren’t convinced…)
- Personal Goals for 2025:
- 2025 is Ezra’s year to dominate. He is expanding his presence in Australia’s contract market, making moves in the industry while taking time to travel to Europe. He still going to spend plenty of time behind the decks DJ-ing. Work hard, play hard- this year, he’s doing both.
- Country Music Festival in NZ:
- Bronwyn is ready to line dance and hoping that 2025 will see the announcement of the first-ever country music festival in New Zealand.
- Liverpool Double & Crusaders Glory:
- Liverpool will do the double – Premier League and Europa Champions League – leading to mass celebrations, beer shortages, and, obviously, an emergency bank holiday in my house. Meanwhile, the Crusaders won’t just claim another Super Rugby title, but they’ll christen the new Christchurch Stadium with a pre-holiday rugby showdown. Builders will still be painting the lines when the kick-off happens, but hey, progress is progress! (Look, were not convinced that Liverpool will do either, but Darron’s dead set, so we will see…).
2025 is shaping up to be a year of growth, optimism, and unexpected twists. Stay tuned, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
