Outlook: Grim

AUCKLAND, Today: An anonymous NZ agency insider is painting a bleak picture of the current Covid-afflicted ad world – a picture that starkly contrasts with the sector’s optimistic PR pose.

“As you know,” he/she said, “agencies have been affected by layers of redundancies – and many – maybe most – of the staff still in the sector remain on reduced hours and/or pay.

“I’m hoping Jacinda and friends can create a post-Covid vision for NZ that works. But I’m not holding my breath.”

“Many agencies, of all sizes – across design. digital, advertising, and some media – now operate at 70-90% of their previous staff levels. “They’re just holding things together as they try to plan forward, and keep staff busy.

“A more healthy employment environment will be a key to any significant recovery.

“We’re all hoping Jacinda and friends can create a post-Covid vision for NZ that works. But I’m not holding my breath.”