Christmas 2025 is less than a fortnight away, and it’s time to reflect on the year that’s been and enjoy a well-earned break, quality time with family and friends, and eating and drinking far too much.

And what a year it’s been. From my perspective, there was probably a greater sense of optimism, activity and energy about the place during 2024. But I’m not sure the year was necessarily easier or more prosperous than 2023 for the country or its citizens. For many, ‘Survive to 25’ was the general theme. Some have, and sadly, some haven’t.

We’re told the first half of next year will likely be a bit more of the same until the economic cycle catches up to the recent interest rate cuts, infrastructure development gets into its stride and other efforts pick up steam. But who’s to tell? If we’ve learnt anything from the 2020s so far, it’s probably to not get too excited or ahead of ourselves.

Head down, nose to the grindstone, keep on pushing … We don’t have much choice – no matter how tough it may be or how battered we feel. I’m reminded of those motivational posters you see in offices now and then … ‘Your attitude determines your altitude!’ and all that fluffy stuff.

Not that I think it’s just fluff, to be honest. I firmly believe that the right attitude can do much for an individual and a team, no matter the circumstances.

Consider this contender for the editorial topic of the year – roadworks. They’re going on everywhere now as Simeon Brown does his best to be the country’s favourite transport minister, and the NZTA rips into work it should’ve done years ago. As drivers passing through, we don’t often give much notice to the workers on site, who seem to fade into the hive of activity, except when they do something that makes them stand out.

Recently I’ve encountered two sets of roadworks, where I’ve had extremely positive engagements with the stop-go men. The first was when I drove the JAC N60EV for the December 2024/January 2025 issue. Stopping at the head of the queue, the man in control quickly noticed the JAC had rolled up silently and that it must’ve been electric. What followed was a friendly, curious conversation about the truck and the technology, a few photos of the truck and repeated approvals of “choice!”.

Then, I’ve passed through the current works in the SH2 Karangahake Gorge a few times recently, and the stop-go men at either end are undoubtedly the most charismatic I’ve seen. Every car entering and exiting receives the most enthusiastic waves they can muster, accompanied by the biggest, friendliest smiles. There’s everything from the ‘wind up and throw’ wave to the ‘slingshot’ wave. I passed them in the morning and again in the evening, and there was no difference in enthusiasm.

Both experiences were an inspiring break from the blank faces and token waves we’re used to seeing at roadworks, and in them, I suppose, a great moral as we head into the holidays and new year. Their job may be to twist a stick from green or red all day, but that doesn’t matter. They choose to be the best, cheeriest stop/go men they can be.

So, no matter what 2025 may hold, remember the stop/go men; a smile costs nothing but returns so much. No matter how challenging things are, a positive attitude can lead to positive outcomes.

Wishing you the merriest of Christmases, the happiest of holidays, and the best 2025 you can hope for.

Take care out there,

Gavin Myers
Editor