Business – Don’t wait for certainty

When 2026 began, I’d hoped that by now, we would see a more visible economic recovery across the Hibiscus Coast. While there are encouraging signs that the wider recovery is underway, for many local small and medium-sized businesses the improvement has been modest rather than dramatic.

Business confidence across Auckland has strengthened, with more businesses expecting to hire and invest. At the same time, unemployment remains elevated and the pace of economic growth is still relatively modest.

So, what is my next hope? That 2027 brings greater economic certainty, renewed confidence and, importantly, greater opportunity for our local businesses. But hope on its own isn’t a business strategy.

My recommendation to local business owners and leaders is simple – start planning now for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Don’t wait for the economy to improve further or wait to see what happens after the November election. And don’t wait until you are suddenly busy to work out what your business needs. Planning doesn’t mean spending money or taking unnecessary risks. It means asking some practical questions now:

• What could growth look like for my business?
• If things pick up, will I have the people I need?
• Are my current employees equipped with the skills and capability I’ll require?
• Which roles might I need to recruit?
• Will I need different skills in my team?
• Are my systems, processes and workplace practices ready to support growth?

This is where recruitment and HR need to be part of the wider business conversation.

Growth might mean recruiting new people, but it could also mean developing the people you already have, reviewing responsibilities, addressing performance issues, identifying skills gaps or thinking about succession. 

Good businesses don’t suddenly become prepared when the market improves. They prepare before they need to. The same applies to recruitment. If your business experiences stronger demand next year, you don’t want to start from scratch trying to work out what your ideal team looks like, what skills you need, where to find those people and how you will attract them. Good people don’t become available when you need them. The businesses that are ready will have an advantage.

If the economy strengthens, you’ll be ready. If growth takes longer, you’ll still have a clearer understanding of your business, your people and your priorities.