Employment 1970 v 2025

“Nothing will work unless you do.” 

Unknown

Heavy Transport City Center

When I left secondary school decades ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Back in the 1970s, jobs were plentiful. You could pick and choose from many positions that you felt qualified for. My first job was with a printing firm in a clerical position. After one year, I was fired from the printing office. It was only a week or two before I secured another clerical position with the NZ Post Office.

The World Has Changed

In 2025, the world is vastly different from the world of the 1970s. In the 1970s, New Zealand had near full employment, strong unions, and a heavily regulated economy. By 2025, the labour market has become globalised, flexible, technology-driven, and marked by inequality and migrant labour issues.

Employment in the 1970s (New Zealand)

• Near-zero unemployment: In the mid-1970s, unemployment was virtually non-existent, at less than 0.5%. It was a time of full employment.

• Regulated economy: The economy was highly regulated, with government controls, subsidies, and protections for farmers and industries. The labour market was shielded from global competition.

• Union strength: There was a perception that unions were overly influenced by immigrants from the United Kingdom. Strikes were common due to compulsory union membership and the dominance of collective bargaining. Unions held significant political power.

• Key industries: Manufacturing, construction, freezing works, and other heavy industries contributed to full employment. Māori and Pacific Island workers were heavily represented in these sectors.

• Job security: Long-term employment was the norm. I expected to be a government employee for many years, with strong protections against redundancy. The public sector was a major employer, with NZ Post employing over 30,000 people in 1973.

• Workforce diversity: The workforce was less diverse, with fewer women in full-time employment and minimal migrant labour compared to today.

  
  

Employment in 2025 (New Zealand)

• Higher unemployment: The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 5.3%, with 160,000 people unemployed.

• Globalised economy: Since the 1980s reforms, markets have opened to international competition, shaping employment through global economic cycles.

• Decline of unions: Union membership sharply declined after the Employment Contracts Act (1991). Collective bargaining is weaker, and most workers now negotiate individually.

• Service and knowledge economy: Manufacturing has shrunk, while services, technology, healthcare, and education dominate. Gig work and courier services are on the rise.

• Migrant labour: Temporary migrant workers are crucial in horticulture, viticulture, fisheries, and care work. Concerns about exploitation are significant, prompting government monitoring.

• Workplace diversity: Women, Māori, Pacific, and Asian workers are more represented across industries. Awareness of employment rights is higher, though inequalities persist.

• Precarious work: Part-time, casual, and contract work are common. Job security is weaker, with more emphasis on flexibility and productivity.

• Impact of technology: Remote work, automation, and digital platforms are reshaping employment structures.

  
  

The Future of Work

As we look ahead, the landscape of employment will continue to evolve. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing will significantly influence job markets. Remote work is becoming the norm, and the gig economy is expanding.

In this changing environment, it is essential to adapt. Continuous learning and skill development will be crucial for success. Workers must be proactive in seeking opportunities and preparing for the future.

Conclusion

There you have it—the contrasting employment worlds of the 1970s and today, in the year 2025. What remains unchanged is the importance of planning and forethought. Life will overtake those who have not prepared for a future filled with uncertainty.

Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, remote work, and advancements in energy—whether through fusion or long-lasting batteries—will all impact our employment options and daily lives in ways we cannot always foresee. One way or another, we all have to work, or nothing will work.

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