Auckland, Really?!

Mark Smith • July 3, 2017

Why is it that I always seem to work with Kiwis? What sort of magical sway do people from the land of the long white cloud seem to have over me? Is it their laid back style, strong work ethic or is it more sinister? As a rugby fan, am I secretly trying to find out the rugby secrets that seem to be shared at birth with every New Zealander?

In 2017, Shannon Barlow, a Kiwi who I have worked with since 2007 in Sydney, was managing the very successful people2people office in Sydney’s northern suburbs based in Chatswood. Shannon had built a strong team with a unique and productive culture and had broken long standing office performance records in February 2017. When Shannon asked to see me a few weeks ago, I was expecting her to hit me up for a pay rise or suggest another celebration event to reward the team. What I didn’t expect was Auckland.

Auckland, really!?

Like many Kiwis, Shannon had decided to head back across the ditch and move home. New Zealand was doing well, the family were closer and then there was Auckland……really?!

Shannon had shared the euphemism JAFA with me previously, so I knew that there was an ‘us and them’ culture in NZ. This is where everyone outside of Auckland, has a thing about Auckland, but and it’s a big but, there are reasons why so many New Zealanders choose Auckland. Here are a few that Shannon shared with me;

You can create a great career in NZ’s biggest city

You can have work life balance and visit Waiheke Island and other places that are naturally wonderful and only a simple day trip away.

The food is great. Fresh and the restaurants are world class.

The harbour – get out on a boat.

The people are great and from all over the planet.

Sport, sport, so much sport.

It was pretty obvious that Shannon had made up her mind and it was a no brainer for me and also people2people, to take the leap and start our Auckland office with Shannon; one of the many Kiwis in my working life, at the helm. I can’t wait to visit regularly.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia
   I    United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

Recent articles

By Liz Jones April 16, 2025
Over half of UK employees would consider quitting if they discovered their employer was monitoring them, according to recent research. With 85% of businesses admitting to tracking screen activity and website usage, employee trust is at risk. In this blog, people2people’s UK Managing Director Liz Jones explores the impact of surveillance on workplace culture, stress, and retention. Learn how to strike the right balance between oversight and autonomy, with practical strategies to build a trust-first culture that supports both performance and wellbeing. Is your business protecting productivity—or pushing your top talent away? Read more to find out.
By Liz Jones April 15, 2025
With the new financial year underway, UK businesses are reassessing hiring strategies and tax planning to maximise savings and ensure compliance. In this blog, people2people’s UK Managing Director Liz Jones speaks with Senior Consultant Maddy Laing about smarter workforce planning, contractor compliance, and aligning staffing with business goals. We also explore practical tax tips to avoid an EOFY hangover—covering recordkeeping, deductions, and super contributions. Learn how to get ahead with a proactive approach that reduces costs, avoids risk, and drives growth from day one. Are you setting your business up for a smarter, more strategic year ahead? Read more to find out.
A woman in a suit is giving a plaque to another woman
By Hannah Slee March 19, 2025
Employee recognition is no longer just a ‘nice to have’—it’s a strategic necessity. In the UK, 54% of organisations now prioritise regular appreciation, with recognised employees 8x more likely to feel a sense of belonging and 5x more likely to stay. Businesses with strong recognition cultures see 87% lower burnout rates, improving morale and retention. Simple, consistent praise—whether through team meetings, milestones, or digital platforms—can boost engagement. Are you doing enough to recognise your employees and keep them motivated? Read our latest blog to find out how to build a culture of appreciation.
A woman is sitting at a desk working on a computer.
By Hannah Slee March 17, 2025
In 2025, graphic design interviews are about more than creativity—employers want problem-solvers, strong communicators, and adaptable professionals. A standout portfolio should showcase process, not just final designs, with 4-6 high-quality projects. Candidates must be ready to explain their design decisions, handle client feedback, and demonstrate technical skills in Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, and Revit. Soft skills like communication and collaboration are just as vital as software proficiency. Want to know how to structure your portfolio and answer key interview questions to land your dream design job? Read our latest blog for expert insights and tips.
An application form with a pen on top of it
By Hannah Slee March 12, 2025
Job seekers are under increasing pressure to stand out, leading many to exaggerate their CVs. However, with AI-driven background checks, dishonesty can ruin career prospects. Instead of taking shortcuts, focus on tailoring your CV, highlighting skills, and leveraging networking to secure roles authentically. Employers value transparency, and a strategic approach to job searching will always outweigh the risks of deception. Want to know the best ways to strengthen your job application while staying honest? Read on to discover expert insights and actionable tips to help you land your next opportunity with integrity!

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us