Survivable microeconomies
- Bespoke – not scalable
- Skill-Heavy, Knowledge-Rich
- Localised Supply Chains
- Human Desire, Not Utility
- Exportable Expertise
1. Bespoke, Not Scalable
AI and robotics excel at repetition and scale — but the collectible vehicle economy thrives on one-offs, obscure models, and handcrafted restoration. Each car or bike is unique. Each job is a custom puzzle. That makes it resistant to automation.
2. Skill-Heavy, Knowledge-Rich
Restoring a Jaguar XK120 or tuning a classic two-stroke engine isn’t something an algorithm can master from YouTube. The expertise is analogue, intergenerational, and deeply embedded in lived experience — passed down in clubs and workshops, not online tutorials.
3. Localised Supply Chains
Because many collectible parts are rare or discontinued, there’s a strong local fabrication and modification industry. 3D printing, hand-machining, reverse engineering — all of it done by human specialists and micro-businesses. This is a jobs-based, localised economy.
4. Human Desire, Not Utility
AI and robotics will dominate sectors based on need (transport, health, logistics). But collectibles are driven by desire — and desire is human. You don’t need a 1969 Triumph Bonneville. You want it. And want is the most resilient driver of economic activity in a post-automation world.
5. Exportable Expertise
New Zealand punches above its weight in the collector world. Kiwi restorers, replica parts makers, and niche specialists already export their skills and products. As AI erodes export competitiveness in conventional sectors, this human-driven microeconomy becomes even more valuable.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/ROBOTICS IS COMING FAST
The importance of supporting microeconomies not vulnerable to AI/Robotics
Right now, AI is in its Model-T era, but it won’t take 100 years to get to a Tesla. I’ll happen in ten. Soon, AI will automate entire professions: doctors, lawyers, accountants. Robotics will transform manufacturing, farming, and even aged care. Jobs we’ve long relied on will disappear — not because of economic decline, but because machines do them better, faster, and cheaper.
This is not a sci-fi threat. It’s a policy one.
Governments must act now to identify and protect microeconomies that offer meaningful, skilled, human-centric work not easily automated. The America’s Cup is a good example. Robots will never sail the boats. The support economy is too bespoke to replace people with machines, although AI will assist in bespoke manufacturing of components.
Another microeconomy is the Collectible Motor Vehicle economy. It involves a culture, craft, and skilled labour that AI can’t replace. Its economy is built around restoration, fabrication, preservation, and pride.
If survivable microeconomies are not fostered – and not begun immediately, a large portion of the population will not be able to find work. The young will leave the nation in search of gainful employment and capable, competent people will become beneficiaries until the tax base can no longer support them.