New Zealand: Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Depending on your particular career area, it can be challenging to find job opportunities in New Zealand and it may take some time to find suitable employment. However, there are certain career areas with shortage occupations and the government is actively seeking skilled workers from overseas for these areas. To find out what skills are needed, look at the long-term and immediate skill shortage lists on Immigration New Zealand .

Graduate Opportunities - Career Search  lists companies that recruit graduates in New Zealand.

• Typical problems encountered: New Zealand has been experiencing an economic downturn and labour market conditions have weakened. Redundancies have been made and job opportunities have decreased. Some employers see a risk in taking on migrants, especially recent arrivals.
• How to improve your chances: the more experience and qualifications you have, the better your chances will be in securing a position. It may take six months or longer to find suitable employment. You may need to move out of your specialist field or look for other routes into your chosen career area. It is common for foreign citizens to accept more junior positions in order to gain experience working in New Zealand. Contract or part-time work can also lead to permanent employment.
• Language requirements: New Zealand's three official languages are English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language. Most business is done in English, and most organisations require competency in spoken and written English.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: agriculture, manufacturing, tourism.
• Recent growth areas: film industry.
• Shortage occupations: engineering, teaching, biotechnology, healthcare, IT, creative industries.
• Major companies: Air New Zealand, Auckland Airport, Contact Energy, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation, Fletcher Building, Goodman Fielder, Guinness Peat Group, Infratil, Sky Network Television, Telecom Corporation of New Zealand, Westpac Banking Corporation.
• Search for more companies: Kompass , The Maori Directory , New Zealand Chambers of Commerce , New Zealand Yellow Pages , Wikipedia - List of companies in New Zealand  
• Major cities: Wellington (capital), Auckland (largest), Christchurch (largest on the South Island).

What's it like working in New Zealand?

• Average working hours: 35 hours per week with commitment to flexible working practices.
• Holidays: four weeks plus national holidays.
• Tax rates: salary and wages earned in New Zealand are subject to income tax whether you are considered a resident or are in the country temporarily. For more information, download the New Zealand tax residence guide IR292 from Inland Revenue - New Zealand Tax Residency Forms and Guides .
• Working practices and customs: commitment to work-life balance means there are opportunities for flexible work arrangements, part-time work, job-sharing and home-based work. New Zealanders very rarely refer to people by their titles at work. They also dress less formally than in the UK and regularly mix socially with work colleagues.