Poll: The best pathway to stability - a degree or a trade?
According to Universities New Zealand, people with university degrees generally earn more over their careers. But trades have two big advantages: you can start earning right away, and skip the mountain of student debt.
Right now, the job market isn’t looking too flash. On top of that, AI is changing industries faster than anyone expected, making the future feel uncertain for many.
For today’s high school students, it’s a tough call: take on debt for a degree that might pay off later, or jump straight into a trade that pays now but could have different long-term prospects.
So, with all that in mind, Trade or Degree? Or is this an unfair dichotomy?
What advice would you give someone trying to figure out their future?
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32.8% Trade - immediate returns and financial stability
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7.7% Degree - as long as you know 'why' you are investing in the degree
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41.3% Neither guarantees success - luck and work ethic is more important
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16.4% Why does it have to be one or the other?
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1.7% Other - share your thoughts below!
The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here
The Team at Stuff
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
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19.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.6% Nah - not for me
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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