Hey ho... let's go.
Light reading, the legend that is Norm, and a bit of summer Ramones energy.
Hello from Ailsa and Beccy
How was the break? We hope it was a good one and you’ve come back feeling rested and ready to get into the year.
January and February, at least until the kids are back at school, are rarely tidy. People return at different speeds, teams regroup after time away, and it can take a few weeks for work to feel like work again. That’s pretty normal. What matters more is how the year starts to take shape once everyone’s back in the mix.
This time of year with a break away from work often brings a bit of clarity about what’s working, what isn’t, and what people want the year ahead to look like - a natural reset point.
From our desks, there are some solid, long-term projects beginning to ripple out across our neck of the woods. Not everyone will be involved directly, but the flow on work matters. It keeps people employed, supports local suppliers, and gives other projects confidence to move ahead.
All of that only really works if the fundamentals are right, especially when it comes to keeping good people engaged.
Beccy shares her perspective below on why the start of the year matters, and how simple, early conversations can make a real difference.
In this issue:
Norm Tufue’s career story, from early work to plant leadership
A fresh-year perspective on retention and engagement
A few reads we thought were worth your time
For now, it’s about getting back to how things usually run. Crews catching up, calendars filling, and normality returning after a break.
Thanks for backing us - and for backing local.
Got something to add? A trend you’re seeing on site or in the office? We’d love to hear it. Send it through to wellingtonhirewire@substack.com.
My Job, My Story
In this new feature, we’ll share real stories from real people about the jobs they do and the paths that got them there. Our goal is to highlight the wide variety of roles that exist across different industries, many of which people may not even realise are options. You never know which story, experience, or small career moment might spark an idea or open someone’s eyes to a new possibility.
Opportunities really are endless!
Norm Tufue’s career is a story of steady progression, commitment, and learning on the job. Starting work straight out of school, Norm built his experience, moved to New Zealand to start a family, and worked his way into leadership through showing up, learning, and taking responsibility when opportunities arose.
Seventeen years on, he’s now Plant Operations Manager, leading up to 70 staff. Along the way, Norm has taken on responsibility early, learned from the people around him, and continued building his skills as each role demanded more.
What stands out most is his focus on people. For Norm, success isn’t just about results, it’s about helping others recognise their potential, grow into leadership, and feel valued at work. His story is a reminder that strong careers are often built through consistency, trust, and doing the basics well, day after day.
Read our full chat with Norm, here
Fresh year, fresh perspective
Every year, the start of January brings a bit of movement.
After a decent break, people come back with clearer heads. There’s been time away from the day-to-day, fewer early mornings, and a bit of space to think. When work starts up again, some questions tend to crop up.
Am I still enjoying this?
Is this role working for me?
Is there something I’d like to change this year?
It’s not dramatic or sudden. Most people aren’t looking to walk out the door. But the New Year does have a way of bubbling thoughts to the surface that were easy to ignore when things were busy.
We see it every year. January and February often bring an uptick in job movement, driven less by impulse and more by people wanting steadier work, better balance, or a role that feels sustainable long-term.
For leaders and managers, this time of year matters.
Not because people are about to leave, but because it’s a window where small conversations can make a big difference. A quick catch-up can surface things that otherwise sit quietly in the background until someone decides to move on.
These don’t need to be formal performance discussions. In fact, they’re often better when they’re not. A genuine check-in, done early, can help people feel seen and supported before doubts turn into decisions.
Simple questions can open the door:
How are things feeling now that you’re back into it?
What’s been working well for you lately?
Is there anything that would make the job easier or more enjoyable right now?
Is there something you’d like to work towards this year?
The start of the year isn’t just a busy hiring period. It’s also a chance to hold onto good people.
When people take time to listen early on, it builds trust and gives teams confidence that their concerns will be heard. More often than not, that’s enough to keep people engaged and moving forward together.
Worth a read
A few things worth five minutes of your time, in no particular order.
Petrol station sunglasses, ranked - a hilarious take on the humble servo sunnies, including proper respect for safety glasses.
https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/17-01-2026/petrol-station-sunglasses-ranked
Construction and infrastructure continue to drive demand - RNZ reports construction job ads remain strong nationwide, supported by ongoing and new infrastructure projects, with construction, engineering, and trades among the areas seeing the most sustained demand.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/top/584647/job-ads-stall-in-december-after-six-months-of-growth
Economists see improving conditions for businesses this year - A recent analysis suggests New Zealand’s economy may strengthen in 2026 after a tough 2025, with growth expected to be stronger than last year.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/583165/it-can-t-be-worse-right-what-s-ahead-for-the-economy-in-2026
Need extra hands on site? Get in touch - we’re here to help.