Work in New Zealand with Go To New Zealand
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The Essential Guide to Working in New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, relaxed lifestyle, and a thriving job market. Whether you’re making a career change or seeking a fresh start, working in New Zealand offers a wide range of opportunities. In this guide, we cover the key steps you need to take to land a job, from understanding work visas to exploring popular industries and getting to grips with local work culture.
One of the biggest draws of working in New Zealand is the emphasis on work-life balance. New Zealand’s work culture places a strong focus on personal well-being and family time. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to balancing your career and personal life in this beautiful country.
What You Need to Know:
Work Hours and Flexibility:
Discover the typical working hours in New Zealand and how flexible working arrangements are becoming more common, especially in the tech and creative industries.Vacation and Public Holidays:
Learn about New Zealand’s generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays, and how these contribute to a healthy work-life balance.Focus on Well-being:
Mental health is taken seriously in New Zealand’s workplaces. Find out about the support systems in place to help employees manage stress and stay healthy.The Role of Outdoor Activities:
New Zealand’s stunning natural environment encourages people to spend their free time outdoors. Learn how this outdoor lifestyle is integrated into the work culture, promoting relaxation and recreation.
New Zealand offers a diverse job market with abundant opportunities for skilled expats. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, these five sectors are currently in high demand and provide excellent prospects for those looking to move to New Zealand.
Industries to Explore:
Technology and IT Jobs:
The tech sector in New Zealand is rapidly growing, with a demand for software developers, IT professionals, and data scientists. Learn about the key cities for tech jobs and how to position yourself in this competitive field.Healthcare and Nursing:
New Zealand has a significant demand for healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. Explore opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and aged care sectors.Agriculture and Horticulture:
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. Find out about the various roles available in farming, horticulture, and agribusiness, and why these sectors continue to thrive.Construction and Trade Jobs:
With major infrastructure projects and a growing population, New Zealand needs skilled tradespeople. Learn about the opportunities in construction, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry.Hospitality and Tourism:
As a popular tourist destination, New Zealand has a constant need for workers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Explore opportunities in hotels, restaurants, tour companies, and more.
Work Visas and Immigration:
Learn about the different work visa options available, such as temporary work visas, skilled migrant visas, and essential skills work visas. Understand the application process and the eligibility criteria.In-Demand Industries:
Explore the industries where job opportunities are most abundant, including technology, healthcare, construction, agriculture, and hospitality.Job Search Tips:
Discover where to look for job openings in New Zealand, how to tailor your CV and cover letter for Kiwi employers, and the best strategies to make your application stand out.Salary Expectations and Cost of Living:
Understand the salary range you can expect in various industries and learn about the cost of living in New Zealand, including rent, transportation, and food.Workplace Culture in New Zealand:
New Zealand’s work culture is known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Find out what to expect in terms of communication styles, work-life balance, and employee rights.
New Zealand offers a variety of work permit options for foreigners, designed to match career goals and facilitate earning while gaining valuable experience. The government provides special work permits for different categories of people, offering preferences to those willing to work in regional or underdeveloped areas.
Foreigners can search for jobs and apply accordingly. Several visas are available for individuals seeking to find suitable employment in New Zealand.
Key Work Permits and Visas:
1. Graduate Job Search Work Visa
This visa allows fresh graduates to search for work in their field for 12 months. During this period, they can take on any job to support themselves.
2. Graduate Work Experience Visa
After job searching, graduates can opt for this visa, valid for two years. It can be extended by one more year if additional work experience is required. After completing this, visa holders may apply for a Work Visa or Residence Visa.
3. Work to Residence Visa
This visa allows skilled professionals to work temporarily in New Zealand with the potential to apply for permanent residency. The maximum duration of this visa is 30 months. Exceptional talents in arts or sports are given preference under this visa.
4. Skilled Migrant Visa
This visa is granted to individuals who score the highest points based on their qualifications, skills, and experience. Those with skills critical to New Zealand’s development earn extra points. Successful migrants can apply for a Residence Visa after a few years.
5. Silver Fern Job Search Visa
Available for foreigners between the ages of 20 and 35, this visa allows a 9-month stay in New Zealand to search for work. Applicants must meet specific qualification requirements. The number of visas issued in this category is limited.
6. Silver Fern Practical Visa
This visa permits skilled foreigners with a Silver Fern Job Search Visa to work for 12 months. Applicants must already have a job offer in a skill shortage area prior to obtaining this visa.
7. Working Holiday Visa
Designed for young travelers aged 18 to 30, this visa allows individuals to holiday in New Zealand for up to 12 months while working part-time, typically in short-term or seasonal roles.
8. Work Visa (Essential Skills Work Visa)
This visa attracts skilled workers to fill temporary job vacancies in New Zealand. It is issued to individuals with specific skills that are in demand across various sectors.
For more information and advice on obtaining a work permit in New Zealand, feel free to reach out to our help desk for free tips and assistance.
We help you to get started
Registered Immigration Agents help you to understand the work requirements for New Zealand and education agents assist your career boost.
If you like to work in New Zealand, our migration agents may help you to get a visa. If you like to study or get some work experience our education agents may help you.
Please note: All our international student recruitment services are for free!
We offer a diverse range of ‘placement’ opportunities for students. Please note, work experience is usually unpaid and the applicant has to pay for the placement!
Work New Zealand Application
For more information regarding our free services, please contact our registered Work New Zealand advisers.
Working while studying in New Zealand offers valuable experience and helps manage living expenses. Your eligibility to work depends on your course type, level, and duration.
Eligibility Criteria:
Tertiary Students:
- Part-Time Work: You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms if enrolled in a full-time course that:
- Is at least two academic years long.
- Leads to a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
- Is at least one academic year long and part of an approved tertiary student exchange scheme.Â
- Full-Time Work During Breaks: Eligible for full-time work during scheduled breaks if:
- Studying full-time for at least one academic year.
- Course is worth at least 120 credits.
- Course spans at least two semesters over at least eight months.Â
- Part-Time Work: You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic terms if enrolled in a full-time course that:
PhD and Research Master’s Students:
- No restrictions on work hours; you can work full-time year-round.Â
- No restrictions on work hours; you can work full-time year-round.
English Language Students:
- Courses of at least 24 weeks:
- Full-time study.
- Main purpose is to improve English.
- Acceptable English test result (e.g., IELTS 5.0 or higher).
- Courses of at least 14 weeks:
- Full-time study.
- At least 14 consecutive weeks.
- Enrolled at a university or NZQA Category 1 provider.Â
- Courses of at least 24 weeks:
Secondary School Students:
- Aged 16 or older, enrolled in Years 12 or 13.
- Part-time work up to 20 hours per week during school terms.
- Full-time work during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.Â
Important Considerations:
Work Restrictions:
- Cannot be self-employed or run your own business.
- Cannot provide commercial sexual services.Â
Tax Obligations:
- Must obtain an IRD number from Inland Revenue.
- Pay tax on earnings; current tax rate is 10.5% for income up to NZD 14,000 per year.Â
Finding Employment:
- Utilize resources like Student Job Search, Trade Me, and Seek for job opportunities.
- Many part-time jobs are available in retail, hospitality, and customer service sectors.
Always verify your specific visa conditions to ensure compliance with work rights. Balancing work and study effectively is crucial for academic success and personal well-being.