Windy Wellington: My First Week in the Capital of Cool

Kia ora from Wellington! 

Alliteration aside, my move to Wellington from Sydney has been quite the adventure. Some cheeky mates have dubbed it a "mid-life crisis," but come on, I'm not that old... even if my birth certificate suggests otherwise! 

Truth is, after two decades of building people2people in Australia and partnering with Shannon Barlow to grow Frog Recruitment in New Zealand, I've decided to get back to my roots: recruiting. That's right, back on the desk, connecting amazing people with their dream jobs. (More on that decision in an upcoming post!) 

But first, let's talk Wellington. One week in, and here are my top 10 observations: 

1. The people: Seriously, Kiwis are the best. Warm, open, and genuinely friendly. It's like a breath of fresh air. 
2. The weather: Brrr, it's a tad chillier than Sydney! Everyone keeps telling me this isn't Wellington's strong suit. I'm reserving judgment for now. 
3. The dress code: Where have all the ties gone?! Looks like I'm the only dinosaur still clinging to my suit and tie. Wellingtonians, what's the dress code here? I need tips! 
4. The coffee: Delicious, but my wallet is feeling the pinch. Any recommendations for the best coffee on Lambton Quay? 
5. The job market: It's a bit tough out there at the moment, but I'm loving the optimism and resilience of Kiwi job seekers. 
6. The phone calls: It's refreshing to see people actually pick up the phone and chat about job opportunities. A good old-fashioned conversation goes a long way! 
7. The accent: My Aussie accent can be either a big downside or a talking point  – some people notice it, others don't. Either way, it's a conversation starter. 
8. The salaries: Wellington salaries are surprisingly competitive. I'm pleasantly surprised! Anyone else agree? 
9. The meetings: Scheduling face-to-face meetings seems to be a challenge. Any tips for getting in front of clients and prospects? 
10. The Frog team: My colleagues at Frog are fantastic! Experienced, professional, and always up for a laugh. It's a great team to be a part of. 

Here's to week two! I'm eager to hear your thoughts and get some insider tips on everything from coffee spots to job market insights. 

Are you looking to take the next step of your career in Wellington, or needing to fill a vacancy within your team? Reach out to Mark Smith and our Frog Recruitment experts at marks@frogrecruitment.co.nz or call 04 978 6620