December 5th, 2025
Before the year slips into summer mode and we all scatter to beaches, baches, BBQs, and (hopefully) a classic Kiwi summer, I wanted to take a moment to thank our great customers and give a quick run down on what has been a really challenging year for a lot of businesses and families in this country.
So here’s a small wrap-up on 2025, a bit of reflection, and a sincere thank you from myself and my awesome team at The Workshop.
Thank you
To everyone—freelancers, small teams, remote workers, founders, creatives, consultants, and those still figuring out what’s next—thank you for choosing to work from The Workshop. You have a choice of coworking spaces and we’re privileged to have you choose us.
- Your energy is what creates the vibe in our spaces.
- The quick chats in the kitchen.
- The head-nods of recognition on busy mornings.
- The impromptu help sessions.
- The “got a minute?” catch-ups that turn into real solutions.
You all bring life to our spaces and make our spaces what they are. We know that without you deciding to make The Workshop your home away from home, we wouldn’t have a business. So it’s a big thank you from myself and my team. Your business is really appreciated and we couldn’t do it without you.
Community Wins (Big and Small)
We’ve had plenty to celebrate this year—not necessarily in grand, champagne-popping events, but in those small moments that matter more:
- A steady buzz of full days and shared lunches.
- Members landing clients, finishing projects, and hitting milestones.
- New people joining and instantly getting welcomed in the way only our communities can.
- Countless moments of generosity—someone jumping in to help, make an intro, lend skills, or simply offer a good chat.
This is the kind of culture you can’t fake. It grows from genuine people being themselves. And we’re lucky to have a whole bunch of you doing exactly that.
A Tough Year But Hopefully a Turning Point?
2025 hasn’t been an easy year in New Zealand.
- The economy has been extremely tight
- Work has been unpredictable.
- Confidence has been shaky.
- I personally haven’t felt a recession as deep or as long as this in my lifetime (GFC included).
But I get a sense that things are starting to turn around and there’s a new feeling of optimism coming back. Also, I follow a few economic commentators like Tony Alexander (love him or hate him!) and they’re highlighting data that indicates that change is definitely afoot. We went through this last year where there was talk of change but it didn’t materialise, so it’s good to be positive but take it with a dash of cautious optimism as well.
From myself though, I’ve lived through three or four major recessions in my life, this is one of them, and one thing has always been true: they do end. The cycle turns. Good times return. And the people and businesses who survive the hard times come out of it stronger for it.
So if you’re still standing, still hustling, still showing up— hang in there and give yourself a pat on the back for getting this far. When the upswing comes, you should be in great shape to make the most of it.
What Won’t Change — Our Values and our commitment to our members
Through all the noise, The Workshop will continue to be what you’ve told us you love:
- Relaxed, genuine people.
- An environment where work feels easier and connections happen naturally.
- A place to grow your hustle without feeling pressure to act bigger or busier than you are.
- A space where the basics just work… well, most of the time (Printers, we’re looking at you!)
We’re here to support how you work—not the other way around.
Looking Ahead
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you over the next few weeks. But if we miss each other, I hope you have a safe, happy Christmas and New Year—and that we all get a classic Kiwi summer to recharge.
Here’s to a strong 2026. And here’s to all of us, getting a bloody good, well earned break over Xmas.
Thanks for being part of The Workshop.
Tristan
Want to give coworking a try? Get in touch with us here or send us an email connect@theworkshopauckland.co.nz. We’ve got great options to suit a wide range of business requirements.