Every year, StopPress catches up with a group of industry leaders from across Aotearoa to talk about the year that was. From the highlights and the lowlights to their favourite foods, fruits and Christmas traditions, they give us a little insight into 2025 as well as a look forward to 2026.
Amy Errman is a senior lecturer of marketing at the Auckland University of Technology.
What has been the biggest change that you’ve seen across your work in 2025?
A growing craving for genuine human connection as AI becomes more embedded in everyday work and communication.
What was your highlight, lowlight and the most interesting thing that happened to you this year?
Highlight: adopting a greyhound (and becoming a wholehearted advocate for Greyhounds as Pets).
Lowlight: the deeply unsettling violent events affecting neighbouring countries this year.
Most interesting: completing the Dusky Track — challenging, uncomfortable, and completely worth it.
What trends did you follow in 2025 and how will these shape your work in 2026?
I returned to marketing and advertising fundamentals, particularly the role of meaning in emotional versus functional appeals. Looking ahead to 2026, my focus is on how we can produce more empathetic marketing and reshape relationships in ways that genuinely harness emotional engagement.
What is your favourite thing about the work that you do?
The students and co-researchers. I get to help train the future marketing workforce, connect them with meaningful practice and professionals, and stay close to emerging white-space insights.
What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
Continued good health.
Quick fire five
Favourite drink?
Garage Project White Mischief 2.5% salted peach sour
Favourite recipe?
Cucumber in yoghurt with paprika; simple, fresh, and perfect.
Last film you watched at the cinema?
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Apples or oranges?
Neither, feijoa!
Best thing to eat at Christmas?
Real fruit ice cream.
The post Year in Review 2025: Amy Errman appeared first on stoppress.co.nz.
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