AI Winter Bites: NZ Tech Job Market Stagnant, Immigrants Face Headwinds

New Zealand's tech sector is facing a downturn in 2025, with layoffs at major companies and the expansion of AI exacerbating job pressures. Microsoft cut 6,000 jobs, and New Zealand's health sector also slashed IT roles. A 12-year veteran software engineer from China, James Zhang, struggled to find work in New Zealand, citing ageism in the Chinese tech industry and visa challenges. While job ads have slightly increased, competition remains fierce, with immigrants facing additional hurdles. Many are forced to upskill or pursue further education.