Max People Blog NZ | Max People

Farm Owner's Guide to Finding the Right Agricultural Talent

June 30, 2025

Farm Owner's Guide to Finding the Right Agricultural Talent

Hiring the right people is critical to running a successful farm—but labour shortages across New Zealand mean agricultural recruitment is more challenging than ever. This guide for farm owners outlines how to define your hiring needs, tap into local and overseas talent, and build long-term retention through smart, practical strategies. Max People offers specialist recruitment support to help you secure skilled, site-ready workers when you need them most.

Finding Work as a Dairy Farmer in New Zealand

June 19, 2025

Finding Work as a Dairy Farmer in New Zealand

Dairy farming is a vital part of New Zealand’s economy, offering strong job opportunities for both local and overseas workers. This guide from Max People explains what dairy farm roles involve, the skills employers look for, and how to get started—whether you're new to agriculture or bringing experience. Learn about visa options, training pathways, and how to find the right fit with the help of a specialist recruiter.

Bridging the Manufacturing Skills Gap: Challenges & Solutions

May 30, 2025

Bridging the Manufacturing Skills Gap: Challenges & Solutions

NZ manufacturers are facing a growing skills shortage—and it’s impacting productivity, costs, and growth. This blog explores what’s driving the manufacturing skills gap, from an ageing workforce to evolving tech demands. We also share practical solutions like on-the-job training, labour hire partnerships, and improving retention. At Max People, we help manufacturing businesses bridge this gap with flexible recruitment support tailored to their needs. Read the full article for actionable strategies to future-proof your workforce.

Proven Strategies for Finding the Right Logistics Talent

May 26, 2025

Proven Strategies for Finding the Right Logistics Talent

Struggling to hire in logistics? In this post, we share proven recruitment strategies to help NZ employers attract skilled, reliable logistics professionals. From speeding up hiring to building flexible teams and using tech to streamline recruitment, these tips are grounded in real industry experience. We also explore how to improve retention and why working with a logistics recruitment partner like Max People can make a real difference. Read on to future-proof your workforce and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers in Construction

April 16, 2025

Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Skilled Workers in Construction

Attracting skilled construction workers is only half the challenge—keeping them requires just as much strategy. From hiring the right fit and offering competitive conditions to investing in training and fostering a strong site culture, retention starts with how you manage your workforce. Max People supports NZ construction firms with practical recruitment and retention solutions tailored to their needs. A well-supported team is more likely to stay, perform, and grow with your business.

7 Tips to Streamline Your Construction Hiring Process

April 2, 2025

7 Tips to Streamline Your Construction Hiring Process

Hiring delays in construction can stall projects and drive up costs, but a streamlined recruitment process can make all the difference. By clearly defining roles, using standardised screening, and partnering with a specialised recruiter like Max People, you can secure qualified, site-ready talent faster. Tapping into overseas talent and acting quickly on strong candidates also gives you a competitive edge. With the right approach, you’ll reduce downtime and keep your projects on track.

The Backpacker's Guide to Boosting Your CV with Farming Experience

July 9, 2024

The Backpacker's Guide to Boosting Your CV with Farming Experience

Backpacking is an adventure of a lifetime, offering opportunities to explore new places, meet diverse people, and immerse yourself in different cultures. But did you know that your time on the road can also be a valuable boost to your CV?

February 9, 2024

Unlocking Your Carpentry Career

Are you looking for a rewarding career in carpentry? Or even if you are a qualified carpenter wishing to advance in your next role within the industry in Christchurch, then you have come to the right place. Here, we explore the world of carpentry and give you some great tips and information on qualifications, skills, job prospects, salary rates, and more.

A Guide to Doing Great in Job Interviews

February 1, 2024

A Guide to Doing Great in Job Interviews

You're about to go on an interview, and you might be a little anxious, wondering about the questions you will be asked and what you should be prepared for. Luckily, we've made a simple guide to help you do really well in job interviews.

Exploring Tailored Labour Hire Solutions For Your Business

February 1, 2024

Exploring Tailored Labour Hire Solutions For Your Business

If you are a business owner, you know the challenges of finding the right workforce. You spend weeks trying to find the right talent but are unsuccessful, sound familiar? Luckily, there is a solution - Max People’s Labour Hire Services Christchurch-Wide.

January 31, 2024

The Recruitment Process: What to Expect

Starting your job search can be both an exciting and a daunting journey but understanding the recruitment process is the first step to simplifying your job search. At Max People, we’re all about simplifying that process for you and here is what you can expect when you partner with a reputable recruitment agency in Christchurch like us.

Navigating Career Paths in The Construction Industry

December 12, 2023

Navigating Career Paths in The Construction Industry

With development increasing housing demands and government investments in infrastructure the industry is not only thriving but also offers great opportunities for individuals seeking long lasting and impactful careers. A skilled workforce is at the core of this industry's expansion.

Exploring Construction Jobs in New Zealand

December 12, 2023

Exploring Construction Jobs in New Zealand

Explore the promising construction job opportunities in New Zealand, where a recent boom in the industry makes it an ideal destination for construction professionals dreaming of a peaceful life surrounded by lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and welcoming communities. This blog post delves into the exciting prospects awaiting those considering a move to New Zealand.

The Role of Soft Skills Training in NZ's Leading Industries

October 10, 2023

The Role of Soft Skills Training in NZ's Leading Industries

Unlock success in NZ's core industries with soft skills training. Enhance communication, adaptability, and leadership for manufacturing, construction, logistics, and agriculture.

Safety First: Ensuring a Secure Construction Site

September 27, 2023

Safety First: Ensuring a Secure Construction Site

Explore essential safety practices and tips for ensuring a secure construction site with Max People. Learn about PPE, effective communication, and more to create a safe work environment. Stay informed and prioritise safety with us.

Understanding and Overcoming Optimism Bias in Workplace Safety

September 12, 2023

Understanding and Overcoming Optimism Bias in Workplace Safety

Learn how optimism bias can impact your safety at work and discover effective strategies to overcome it. Create a safer work environment with Max People.

September 11, 2023

In-Demand Construction Jobs in NZ

Explore the most in-demand construction jobs in New Zealand with Max People. From Project Managers to Safety Supervisors, find the role that's perfect for you in a booming industry.

Dust & Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

August 28, 2023

Dust & Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

Discover the essentials of dust and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in the workplace. Learn how to minimize dust exposure and select the right respirator for maximum protection. Stay informed, stay safe.

Max People: benefits of using a recruitment agency

August 21, 2023

Max People: benefits of using a recruitment agency

Find the perfect job with Max People, a specialised recruitment agency for construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. We offer tailored solutions, expert advice, and personalised service.

Ladder and Height Safety: Ensure Safety while Working

August 16, 2023

Ladder and Height Safety: Ensure Safety while Working

Unlock essential ladder safety practices and height safety guidelines for New Zealand industries. Stay informed and ensure a safe working environment above the ground.

Why Use a Recruitment Agency to Find a Job?

August 4, 2023

Why Use a Recruitment Agency to Find a Job?

Discover the benefits of using a recruitment agency to secure your next job. Unlock your career potential, find the right job fit, and get expert guidance throughout your job-seeking journey with Max People.

August 2, 2023

Safeguard Your Hands with PPE

Max People prioritises hand safety with the appropriate use of PPE at work. Learn crucial safety tips to prevent common hand injuries, understand the vital role of PPE, and get key takeaways for maintaining hand safety at work.

How to Advance Your Career: An 8-Step Guide

July 20, 2023

How to Advance Your Career: An 8-Step Guide

Discover how to advance your career with our 8-step guide. Perfect for tradespeople, this guide covers lifelong learning, networking, gaining diverse experience, showcasing leadership, staying informed, pursuing certification, seeking mentorship, and setting clear goals. Boost your career with Max People today.

July 19, 2023

Essential Guide to Power Tool Safety

Discover the importance of power tool safety with our comprehensive guide. Learn key discussion points, essential precautions, and key takeaways to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Breaking the Complacency Cycle at Work: A Guide for Max People

July 5, 2023

Breaking the Complacency Cycle at Work: A Guide for Max People

Discover how to break the Complacency Cycle at work with Max People. Learn about the dangers of becoming complacent, its impact on productivity and safety, and effective strategies to maintain motivation and engagement in the workplace.

Crafting an Effective CV for Jobs in New Zealand

July 5, 2023

Crafting an Effective CV for Jobs in New Zealand

Discover how to write a CV in NZ tailored for the manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and logistics sectors. Our comprehensive guide at Max People covers everything from contact information to leveraging AI tools and ATS optimization. Craft an effective CV and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

The UK's Latest Visa Changes and What They Mean for You

June 30, 2023

The UK's Latest Visa Changes and What They Mean for You

Discover the latest UK visa changes and their implications for your journey to New Zealand. Learn about the UK visitor visa extension and how it enhances the Working Holiday Scheme. With Max People, navigate these changes smoothly, explore job opportunities, and embrace life in New Zealand.

Guide to Fatigue Management: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

June 21, 2023

Guide to Fatigue Management: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Dive into our comprehensive guide on fatigue management in the workplace. Understand the causes of fatigue and discover practical strategies to stay alert and maintain productivity.

June 13, 2023

Nailing Your Job Interview

Discover insider tips on nailing your job interview from industry experts at Max People. Learn how to showcase your skills, prepare for behavioural questions, and make a lasting impression. Start your journey to landing your dream job today.

Toolbox Safety Talk: Incident Reporting 2023

June 9, 2023

Toolbox Safety Talk: Incident Reporting 2023

When an employee suffers an injury at work and does not report it straight away it causes a lot of problems for all parties involved...

November 5, 2021

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE, " is worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards.

July 27, 2021

Toolbox Safety Talk: Incident Reporting

We are all trained to report any near misses, injuries, or incidents to a supervisor or safety representative. Often times however many of these incidents, especially first-aid type injuries, are not reported. Injuries are not reported because of many different reasons, but it is important to understand why all of them need to be.

Toolbox Talk: Respiratory Protective Equipment

June 15, 2021

Toolbox Talk: Respiratory Protective Equipment

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects people from breathing in substances hazardous to health.

May 18, 2021

Toolbox Talk: Strains and Sprains

Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction.

April 20, 2021

Toolbox Talk: Anti-Racism

Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it- INCLUDING IN YOURSELF

July 7, 2020

Toolbox Talk - It Won't Happen to Me

How many times have you said "it won't happen to me" when thinking of something negative? Learn why the brain has this built in optimism and ways to stay focused/ensure non-complacency.

June 23, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Tools of the Trade

Tips on how to stay safe and avoid injury while working with hand tools.

June 12, 2020

Max People Update - Alert Level 1

Update on life at Level 1! Plus, learn some unique kiwi slang.

June 9, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Tidy Kiwi

Are you being a tidy kiwi? Read on for tips and tricks to keeping the workplace tidy and safe.

May 22, 2020

Max People Update - Covid Tracer

New Zealand rolls out a new Covid-19 Tracer App

May 21, 2020

A new Spark in town

Christchurch Cathedral Square's latest edition, The Spark Building!

May 13, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Checking in

Over the last few weeks we have been asked to make some fairly major changes to our lives. This has affected how we work, how we relate, and what we can or can’t do.

May 11, 2020

Max People Update - Play it Safe

Once we hit level 2, word on the street is, yes! It won't be back to what we were used to in the 'before days' though. We will all still have to play it safe.

May 5, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Moving around

Thinking of heading out? Under Alert Level 3 we must continue to stay in our household bubbles whenever we are not at work, school, buying the groceries or exercising.

April 25, 2020

Max People Update Week 4

Alert level 3 is a coming!

April 21, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Work Protocols

Construction Health & Safety NZ have released the NZ Covid-19 Construction Protocols. This is an introduction to what you will be experiencing when you return to site

April 17, 2020

Max People Update Week 3

We have successfully completed another week in lock-down. Go us! It's been a rough ride but maybe there is a small light at the end of the tunnel?

April 14, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Safety at home

We spend of lot of time talking about being safe at work with everyone heading back to their families at the end of each day. Do we think about taking safety home to our kids and partners?

April 7, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Staying Calm

Staying and acting positive during this pandemic may be challenging but there are ways to deal with the stress and anxiety we may be feeling.

March 31, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Routines

The world as we know it has changed (hopefully not for too much longer). As a result many people may be feeling stressed, anxious and overwhelmed by it all.

March 24, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Helping others

Isolation need not mean being lonely. Communication is key during these times. Let's all stay in touch.

March 18, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Covid-19

The World Health Organisation has listed Covid-19 as a pandemic. We understandable to feel anxious about the outbreak.

March 3, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Ladders

Approximately 70% of falls in the construction industry are from ladders and roofs. The rules for use of a ladder are clear and have been put in place in place for a very good reason. Your safety......

Toolbox Talk - Fatigue the silent killer

February 18, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Fatigue the silent killer

Stress, work, long hours and hot days, it all takes its toll. We need to look after ourselves and keep an eye on our mates

February 11, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Mates helping mates

We all need a helping hand at times. Mates helping mates looks at how we can do this

January 29, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Injuries at work

What do I do when I injure myself at work, who do I tell, what happens next?

January 21, 2020

Toolbox Talk - The Little things

The little things on site are often overlooked. We all need to be looking at the bigger picture.

January 7, 2020

Toolbox Talk - Thank you

Welcome back and Happy New Year from Max!

December 17, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Tis the Season

It’s one of life’s paradoxes that during the Christmas holidays, when we’re relaxing and having fun with our families, the risk of accidents and injuries increases.

December 10, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Emergency Plans

Many disasters will affect essential services and possibly disrupt your ability to travel or communicate with each other. Plan to look after yourself and your loved ones for at least 3 days or more...

December 3, 2019

Toolbox Talk - UV Radiation

In New Zealand, UV radiation levels are particularly high from September to April. It is important to be Sun Smart during these times.

November 26, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Being Observant

It is critical to slow down and observe the environment around you while are at work in order to safely perform tasks.

November 19, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Powder-Actuated Tools

When things go wrong the consequences can be deadly! This week we discuss how to safely interact with powder-actuated tools (PAT).

November 12, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Mobile Scaffold

Working at heights remains one of the biggest causes of occupational fatalities and major injuries.

November 5, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Guy Fawkes Day

Remember Remember the 5th November, there is a darker side to this night.........

October 29, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Movember

Grow a Moustache during November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. It starts this Friday, show your support, let the mo grow!

October 15, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Electricity

Leads lying in water, exposed wires, cracked plastic outer casing of power tools... the list goes on. This week, we dive into what happens when we contact electricity.

Construction underway for Christchurch Metro Sports Facility

October 10, 2019

Construction underway for Christchurch Metro Sports Facility

Extensive foundation build for upcoming Aquatic & Leisure Facility has commenced with the first major concrete pour.

October 8, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Speed vs. Safety

"Time is money"... "We don't have time for that"... Sound familiar? In this week's Toolbox Talk, we discuss why it is important to work smarter, not faster.

Christchurch's Vintage Buildings Revived as Health Hub

September 26, 2019

Christchurch's Vintage Buildings Revived as Health Hub

New Zealand’s largest Health & Wellbeing Complex is opening this November in Christchurch's South CBD.

September 17, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Conservation

We only have one planet! We all need to do our part, however small, to ensure that we protect the environment and our resources for ourselves and the future generations.

September 12, 2019

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

This week is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, a time we set aside every year to promote and celebrate the beautiful Māori language.

September 10, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Making the Right Call

Quite often, individuals find ways to rationalize not working safely. In this week's Toolbox Talk, we highlight the importance of following and internalizing established safety procedures so that we can recognize when we are falling into the trap of trying to rationalize an unsafe choice.

Toolbox Talk - Lateral Thinking and Safety

September 3, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Lateral Thinking and Safety

What is lateral thinking, and how does it apply to safety? Let's discuss in this week's Toolbox Talk.

Open Day for the Public Planned for Christchurch Hospital Hagley

August 29, 2019

Open Day for the Public Planned for Christchurch Hospital Hagley

The Ministry of Health and Canterbury DHB have released a joint statement announcing the plans for the opening of the new Christchurch Hospital Hagley facility.

August 27, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Power Tool Safety

Tools are such a common part of our lives that it is difficult to remember that they pose a hazard. All tools are manufactured with safety in mind but, tragically, a serious accident often occurs before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards.

August 20, 2019

Toolbox Talk - What to do with a hazard

Fairly straightforward. You need to do something. We can’t ignore the hazard, in fact under the H&S at Work Act 2015 we are obliged to do something.

Virtual reality and construction inductions

August 15, 2019

Virtual reality and construction inductions

Traditional induction methods often see poor knowledge retention, low engagement and don’t address the challenges of an ever-changing construction environment. New Zealand based engineering company Beca have designed a VR solution...

Toolbox Talk - Listening to health and safety

August 13, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Listening to health and safety

Hearing is an essential way to track and understand what is happening around you. Our hearing is extremely well attuned to our surroundings, it’s the brains first response system. It tells us when to pay attention and shapes our understanding of what is happening.

August 8, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Lasers

Lasers are very commonly used across the construction industry and when something is so commonly used, it can be perceived to be harmless to a degree. This is not the case.

July 29, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Fatigue Management

Working in the construction industry is taxing - physically and mentally. It involves heavy lifting, a lot manual labour, long days, sometimes night shifts. A personal fatigue management plan is a must if you're going to be productive everyday on site.

July 23, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Concrete PPE Check

Working with concrete can be extremely hazardous to your health if you're not wearing the appropriate PPE. Make sure you're covering yourself (literally) by checking out this week's Toolbox Talk.

Top 7 Safety Best Practices for NZ Construction Workers

July 19, 2019

Top 7 Safety Best Practices for NZ Construction Workers

Rewarding as it may be, construction work does have inherent hazards that need to be managed and mitigated.

July 16, 2019

Toolbox Talk - The Complacency Cycle

It's incredible becoming a master of anything within your life - professionally or personally. This is only done through consistent repetition of the same task again and again but what happens when your mastery of something leads to a degree of complacency?

5 Signs That Work in Construction Is the Right Career Path

July 10, 2019

5 Signs That Work in Construction Is the Right Career Path

In New Zealand, the construction industry is a source of honourable and dignified work. If you’ve got the skills and the inclination, a profession in this sector also stands to be very lucrative as well.

July 9, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Hard Hat integrity

We take our hard hats for granted - we may not always wash them correctly, store them in appropriate places when note being used and add additional features to them that could easily be compromise their integrity.

July 4, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Stress

Everyone suffers from a degree of stress whether is personal or professional - it does not matter what stresses you out as different people are impacted by different things.

Toolbox Talk - PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

June 25, 2019

Toolbox Talk - PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

None of us wake up in the mornings and plan to get injured or even worse killed at work but the reality is that millions of construction personnel have unfortunately and tragically lost their lives on site.

June 17, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Eye Injuries

Do not underestimate the fragility of our eyes, they are sensitive and must be looked after. There are so many injuries especially on a construction site that could result in harm to our eyes even when wearing safety glasses/ Check out this week's Toolbox Talk on eye injuries and protection.

Toolbox Talk - Intestinal Fortitude (Go with your gut!)

June 14, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Intestinal Fortitude (Go with your gut!)

‘Intestinal fortitude’ is having the courage to speak up and to act when something doesn’t feel safe or right to you which is so important especially on construction sites.

Why timber stacks up in the construction climate change emergency

June 7, 2019

Why timber stacks up in the construction climate change emergency

The construction industry could pioneer a radical initiative that would significantly reduce carbon emissions that would not involve additional costs.

June 4, 2019

Toolbox Talk - Hazard Reporting

Is hazard reporting really all that important? What are the impacts of not reporting a hazard and making an assumption that everyone on site knows about it?

Starting off in construction? Build your construction career!

May 27, 2019

Starting off in construction? Build your construction career!

Attitude, building your soft skills and Site Safe Passports - possess these three things and you'll have the most solid foundation for a budding construction career!

April 30, 2019

Max People Health & Safety Toolbox Talk

80% of all fires in commercial properties are extinguished in the early stages by a member of the public, without the need for firefighters. Of these fires, 90% are extinguished using a fire extinguisher.

March 5, 2019

Risk and Impacts of Wood Dust

Are you aware that larger particles of wood dust can be filtered out by a person's upper respiratory system but smaller particles can go deep into the lungs causing damage and scarring to the lung tissue? Read on and educate yourself on how to prevent inhalation.