The way we work has undergone a profound transformation over the past decade. From the rise of gig and platform work to the increasing demand for flexibility and autonomy, our evolving work landscape demands a bold and decisive approach to gig economy reform.

Rather than relying on a patchwork of court decisions, Kiwis’ need robust and forward thinking legislation that recognises the bespoke nuances of platform work and achieves certainty around gig contractor status in New Zealand.

To gain deeper insights into the perspectives of drivers and delivery partners using our platform, we commissioned a research study conducted by Ipsos. The results were unequivocal: flexibility plays a crucial role in the lives of Uber drivers and delivery partners in New Zealand. 

  • Flexibility is crucial to rideshare and delivery drivers: Nine-in-10 (91%) driver-partners and delivery people say they would not keep driving or delivering if it didn’t offer flexibility.
  • Drivers want policymakers to preserve flexibility: 92% of driver-partners and delivery people want any changes to laws regarding app-based driving and delivering to protect their flexibility.
  • Drivers prefer to be independent: 69% of driver-partners and delivery people prefer independent contractor status over employee status.

To safeguard the rights of gig workers, a bespoke approach that recognises the unique nature of gig and platform work is crucial. The traditional classification of workers as either employees or contractors is outdated and fails to meet the evolving needs of gig workers. 

Ipsos confirmed this, with the research showing 79% of driver-partners and delivery people support an option that would combine the flexibility of being an independent contractor with some benefits and protections typically associated with being an employee.

Here in New Zealand, we want to see Parliament provide certainty for the gig economy and work together to consider ways to combine the flexibility of independent contracting with additional benefits and protections. 

Around the world, Uber has been working with governments and unions on reform for the gig economy, striking deals with prominent unions in Australia, the UK and Canada, as well as a global partnership with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).

These collaborative efforts demonstrate a collective recognition that gig workers deserve fair treatment and protections without compromising their independence.

As part of our ongoing engagement with driver-partners and delivery people, I met with the NZ Uber Advisory Group this week to listen directly to their experience while earning on the Uber platform and share the research findings with them.

The common theme was the importance of flexibility, and the survey results reflected the Advisory Forum’s collective experience. While circumstances differed, drivers and delivery people spoke about the need to fit in work with things like family caregiving responsibilities, or starting their own business, with others confirming they couldn’t continue to drive or deliver without that flexibility.

The gig economy has become an integral part of New Zealand’s economic fabric, providing an on-demand lifestyle that Kiwis have grown accustomed to. By carefully considering the needs of New Zealanders and embracing modern laws for modern work, we can cultivate a thriving gig economy in New Zealand that respects and rewards gig workers.

You can access the Ipsos report here.