Home for Christmas?
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Your Journey Back to New Zealand
Every December, thousands of Kiwi expats return home for the holidays. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with family, soak up the summer sun, and rediscover the lifestyle that makes New Zealand special. But if you’ve been thinking about moving back permanently, your Christmas visit could be more than a holiday it could also be the start of your next career chapter.
The Global Kiwi Advantage
New Zealand organisations are hungry for leadership talent with international experience. Your global perspective, adaptability, and networks are highly valued in a market that’s increasingly focused on innovation and resilience. Businesses are navigating complex challenges: digital transformation, sustainability, and global competition, and they need leaders who can think beyond borders.
Yet securing the right role takes time. Executive appointments and governance opportunities often involve months of planning, networking, and alignment before a formal move. Waiting until you’re back for good can mean missing out on opportunities that require early engagement.
Why Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Act
Your holiday visit offers a unique window to start the conversation. Here’s why:
- Face-to-face matters: While digital networking is powerful, nothing beats an in-person conversation for building trust and rapport. Meeting key decision-makers while you are home can accelerate your return strategy.
- Timing advantage: December and January are quieter months for many businesses, making it easier to schedule exploratory meetings. It’s a time when leaders reflect on the year ahead and plan for future talent needs.
- Market insight: Brannigans can provide clarity on leadership opportunities, governance roles, and what employers are looking for in 2026. Understanding the landscape now helps you make informed decisions later.
Rather than waiting until you’re back permanently, use your visit to lay the groundwork. A coffee meeting today could set the foundation for a smooth transition tomorrow.
What We’re Seeing in the Market
At Brannigans, we’re seeing strong demand for leaders who bring global experience and fresh thinking. Organisations want executives who can navigate uncertainty, lead transformation, and foster inclusive cultures. Governance capability is also in the spotlight, with boards seeking directors who understand ESG, risk management, and digital strategy.
For expats, this is an opportunity to bring home the skills and insights you’ve gained abroad. But timing is critical. The best roles often require proactive engagement well before they’re advertised.
Employment growth for 2026 is forecasted for +1.8%, adding 47,000 workers into our workforce. The strongest growth sectors are predicted to be Business services (+7,600 jobs) and Construction (+5,600 jobs). Highly skilled roles make up most of the demand, 27,400 of these.
Labour supply constraints are being driven primarily by our ageing population, with some short-term relief gained from migration, but it’s not enough and we need more skilled kiwis to return.
There is demand for anyone with infrastructure expertise especially in three waters, as local authorities gear up in response to the Crown’s focus on this area. Many of our clients are on the lookout for anyone with international sales experience and both the primary and technology sectors are thriving and seeking talent with international experience and networks.
How Brannigans Can Help
We specialise in executive search and governance appointments across New Zealand. Our team understands the unique challenges expats face when planning a return such as timing, relocation logistics, and aligning career goals with lifestyle aspirations. We’ll help you map the market, identify opportunities, and create a plan that works for you.
Whether you’re considering a leadership role, a governance position, or a strategic career move, we can provide the insight and connections you need to make it happen.
Make This Christmas Count
If you’re visiting New Zealand this Christmas, make it more than a holiday. Book a confidential conversation with Brannigans to explore leadership roles and strategic career moves for the year ahead.
Your global experience is in demand, don’t wait until you’re back for good to start the conversation.
Contact us today to arrange a meeting while you’re home.
