What a weird start to the year! Albeit, in the context of the last few years being the strangest years of my life (… well to-date)!

Recent figures released from Stats NZ, show that unemployment has fallen to its lowest level on record, to 3.2% in the December 2021 quarter. That’s 34 percent below where it was a year ago, making New Zealand's unemployment rate the fifth-equal lowest in the OECD. Employment also rose by 27,700 in the quarter, suggesting that – despite our ongoing challenges in facing a global pandemic – NZ businesses are clearly continuing to hire new talent.

At this time of year, it’s not uncommon for people to feel fatigued and ready for some time to kick back, relax and refresh, as the year comes to a close. This year, with all is twists and turns, that sentiment seems to be louder and more frequent. Whether it has been spending too much time with your household members or not enough time with other friends or families; thinking about variants and vaccinations; balancing new ways of working; dealing with busier periods or quieter periods; not being able to do your sports or hobbies; we have all had something or multiple things that have impacted us.