There have been dramatic changes in employment trends in many industries over the last ten to fifteen years. And it’s continuing to change. These things aren’t happening just in New Zealand. Similar changes are occurring in most developed (OECD) nations.
Our labour market is ageing - there’s been a big drop in the birthrate, so our workforce is getting older and there aren’t so many young people to replace those who retire.
There’s an increasing number of people from other countries working in New Zealand – we’re becoming more multi-ethnic.
Types of jobs and working culture are changing too – more jobs are part-time, and many people are looking for a good lifestyle as well as a good salary. And working conditions vary from job to job.
You can read more about working in New Zealand in the section on Work in our Living in New Zealand guide – taxes, employment relations, the job market, and much more.