Hillsborough news is brought to you by the team at Central Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
Tertiary Education Union organiser Jill Jones says redundancy can have a deep effect on a person’s sense of identity.
Jones has dealt with many redundancy proposals over the years, the latest being NorthTec.
The result of redundancy went far beyond the financial implications, especially if … View moreTertiary Education Union organiser Jill Jones says redundancy can have a deep effect on a person’s sense of identity.
Jones has dealt with many redundancy proposals over the years, the latest being NorthTec.
The result of redundancy went far beyond the financial implications, especially if people were qualified in a niche area.
“It can make it incredibly difficult for them to find another job, especially if they have a commitment to a particular subject, and it becomes part of their identity in a sense,” Jones said.
“The narrower the field, the less likely it is you’re going to find employment.”
Jones said one man had told her he had still not told his adult children he had been made redundant, despite it happening months earlier.
“Because he felt embarrassed and ashamed.”
She pointed out that people who worked in roles with cultural or social impact sometimes experienced a loss of mana as well.
Redundancies are just one of the hardships faced by Northlanders.
Between September 2024 and 2025, the proportion of the working-age population receiving Jobseeker Support increased in most regions, according to Work and Income data.
By the end of September, Northland had the highest proportion receiving Jobseeker Support, at 11.4%.
That coincided with a surge in applications per job listing on Trade Me from July to September, where applications were up 11.8% quarter on quarter.
Though Work and Income had no data readily available to illustrate how many of those on Jobseeker Support had been made redundant, layoffs have undoubtedly played a part.
People Potential chief executive Bronwyn Ronayne recalled that one of the biggest redundancy bouts in Northland was when the Marsden Point oil refinery closed in 2022.
Many people were left with “niche” skills that they struggled to transfer.
There were now “really nice stories” starting to emerge of people who had started their own businesses and made opportunities out of the change, she said.
“There are so many people I can think of personally who are made redundant who are doing really cool stuff.”
Northland’s jobseeker levels came as no surprise to her.
“I think Northland’s always a bit slower to come out of whatever economic impact there is, a bit slower to recover from the knocks.”
Muriel Willem, director and lead careers practitioner at New Focus NZ, said the wellbeing and community-development company had noticed an increase in redundancies over the last six months.
That was particularly in trades associated with building projects that had stalled with the economic downturn, as well as hospitality after cafe closures.
She said clients who had been made redundant often worked through shock, disappointment, sadness and anger.
“The process can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially for those who haven’t needed to update a CV for years or previously found work through word of mouth.”
Willem said people over 60 struggled disproportionately with redundancy.
“Often they have CVs full of experience and knowledge, yet with retirement only a few years away and competition from younger applicants who may accept lower pay rates, they are often overlooked in the job market.”
However, she said mental health was often the greatest barrier for anyone returning to employment.
Trade Me data from July to September showed a 2% decrease in job listings in Northland, which head of Trade Me jobs Nicole Williams said was driven by major centres like Auckland and Wellington recording drops.
“We know job hunters are still finding it tough to land on their feet with the unemployment rate [nationally] at 5.2%,” Williams said.
Northland received the highest growth in applications per listing year-on-year.
Trades and services had the most listings started (approximately 22%), and this category saw 4.7% quarter-on-quarter growth and +14.1% year-on-year growth.
Other categories experiencing quarter-on-quarter growth in the region were transport and logistics (up 24.2%), retail (23.3%), healthcare (18.3%) and construction and roading (17.6%).
The average salary for Northland jobs listed during the July-September quarter was $73,858, a record high.
======================================================
Hey neighbours! Skip the crowds and shop from the comfort of your couch this Black Friday. Mags4Gifts.co.nz has up to 40% off magazine subscriptions for a limited time. From gardening and homes to lifestyle and entertainment, they make the perfect gift (or a little treat for yourself) that lasts … View moreHey neighbours! Skip the crowds and shop from the comfort of your couch this Black Friday. Mags4Gifts.co.nz has up to 40% off magazine subscriptions for a limited time. From gardening and homes to lifestyle and entertainment, they make the perfect gift (or a little treat for yourself) that lasts all year long.
Scams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle … View moreScams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle products.
FEAR: ‘Limited time deals’ messaging, fake ‘missed delivery’ updates
✋ Remember the SCAMS red flags:
Surprise contact
Control or pressure
Access to your device
Money request
Stop and seek support
If you think you’ve been scammed, stop contact, call your bank, and change your passwords.
This arrangement features soft mauve cymbidium orchids paired with golden-yellow chrysanthemums, creating a warm and elegant colour palette. Accented with pink and burgundy snapdragons, fresh greenery, and touches of silver eucalyptus, the bouquet feels lush, stylish, and full of texture. Wrapped … View moreThis arrangement features soft mauve cymbidium orchids paired with golden-yellow chrysanthemums, creating a warm and elegant colour palette. Accented with pink and burgundy snapdragons, fresh greenery, and touches of silver eucalyptus, the bouquet feels lush, stylish, and full of texture. Wrapped in premium newspaper-style craft paper and finished with a double ribbon, it has a modern boutique look — perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or special surprises.
Selling these Mario Kart toy cars as no longer required.
As per photos they’re in great condition with plenty of life left in them.
Perfect to play with or use as a cake topper.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall).
Single clothes net.
New, never been opened.
Lay your wet clothes flat on this, then hang it up.
To help clothes keep their shape.
5 cm.… View moreSingle clothes net.
New, never been opened.
Lay your wet clothes flat on this, then hang it up.
To help clothes keep their shape.
5 cm.
I have 2 of these. Let me know how many you want.
Each is $3.
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
Selling this indoor Hovering Football as no longer required.
As per pics it’s in good used condition with plenty of life left in it.
Batteries included.
Makes sound and lights up.
… View moreSelling this indoor Hovering Football as no longer required.
As per pics it’s in good used condition with plenty of life left in it.
Batteries included.
Makes sound and lights up.
From smoke and pet free home.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall).
Drawer organizer / container.
White / clear colour.
Both are for $5, not individually.
Dimensions - 16 x 24 cm
Depth - 4 cm
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
White basket.
Dimensions - 27 x 20 cm
Depth - 5.5 cm
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
White basket / storage container.
Handle holes are at 2 ends.
Dimensions - 30 x 23 cm
Depth - 7 cm
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
Blue rectangle bowl / container.
Near new, just dusty from sitting on the shelf.
Dimensions of base - 25 x 20 cm
Depth - 10 cm
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
The Press recently featured Rangitoto, and it got the Neighbourly team curious…
We want to know: Which walks in and around Auckland do you think are underrated and worth exploring? 🌿✨
Grey felt display board.
43 x 43 cm
Can be used to stick photos or pictures... etc, on it.
It has velcro on the back for hanging.
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
Photo frame, silver.
Has two hooks on the back so you can choose which way to hang it.
22 x 43 cm
Collection is from Herd Rd, Hillsborough
Enterprise Motor Group is thrilled to bring you the MEGA STOCK CLEARANCE SALE! With over 600 vehicles in stock across the group and fresh arrivals daily, your perfect car is waiting. Save up to $3000 or enjoy a cashback — PLUS get a FREE tank of fuel with every purchase until 30 November!
… View moreEnterprise Motor Group is thrilled to bring you the MEGA STOCK CLEARANCE SALE! With over 600 vehicles in stock across the group and fresh arrivals daily, your perfect car is waiting. Save up to $3000 or enjoy a cashback — PLUS get a FREE tank of fuel with every purchase until 30 November!
We’re clearing over 400 cars - all priced to go! Drive away today with $0 deposit finance from just $55 a week.*
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
