Work in New Zealand

Kiwis work hard and make the most of their free time, whether that's exploring mountain trails, relaxing on the beach or enjoying the country's national parks and outdoor lifestyle.

With well over 250,000 British citizens living in New Zealand, the country ranks highly as an expat destination, and it's not hard to see why.

New Zealand continues to experience skills shortages in sectors such as construction, education, healthcare and technology, creating jobs for international workers with the right skills and experience.

The country also enjoys a temperate climate, uncrowded communities and a low crime rate. Popular destinations include:

• Auckland
• Canterbury
• Christchurch
• Otago
• Waikato
• Wellington.

Jobs in New Zealand

Opportunities for international workers are typically strongest in:

• construction
• education
• engineering
• healthcare
• specialist trades, e.g. carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and roofers
• technology.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for a huge number of New Zealand businesses, while even the country's larger businesses are considered small by international standards.

Well-known graduate employers in New Zealand include:

• Air New Zealand
• ANZ Bank New Zealand
• Beca
• Deloitte New Zealand
• Fonterra
• Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)
• Xero.

With high competition for jobs, it's not uncommon for international job hunters to accept more junior positions to gain experience working in New Zealand.

Don't limit your options by ruling out contract or part-time work, as this can sometimes lead to permanent employment.

Search for jobs in New Zealand at:

• Hays NZ
• Indeed NZ
• SEEK Grad
• Trade Me Jobs
• WorkHere
• Working In New Zealand

Skills shortages

New Zealand continues to experience skills shortages in areas such as:

• Construction - project managers and surveyors.
• Education - early childhood and secondary school teachers.
• Engineering - civil, electrical and mechanical engineers.
• Healthcare - general practitioners, nurses, surgeons and midwives.
• Specialist trades - fitters, plumbers, and welders.
• Technology - cyber security professionals, data analysts and software developers.

For the most up-to-date information on the country's in-demand occupations, see Immigration New Zealand's Green List.

How to get a job in New Zealand

You'll need to look for and secure a job before being granted a visa and moving to the country. Applications are typically submitted online, along with a CV and cover letter. CVs in New Zealand differ in the sense that they rarely list all past jobs. Instead, they explain the skills you have and provide examples of how you've used them.

If your application passes the first stage, you may be offered a telephone interview. Face-to-face interviews tend to be informal and may be led by up to four people. Make sure you've thoroughly researched the position and the company before your interview.

Some jobs aren't formally advertised, so making connections, networking and applying speculatively can prove useful.

Access support on finding jobs through the Tahatū Career Navigator.

Summer jobs

Every year, thousands of workers are needed to help harvest the country's fruit crops.

Thanks to New Zealand's thriving tourism industry, you can also find employment in:

• bars
• cafes
• campsites
• holiday parks
• hotels
• restaurants.

During the winter season, you may also be able to find opportunities at ski resorts.

If you have some childcare experience, you could find work as an au pair.

Search for seasonal work through the following providers:

• Anywork Anywhere - Summer jobs in New Zealand
• Backpacker Job Board
• PickNZ - Find seasonal work across NZ
• SEEK - Summer jobs
• Student Job Search (SJS)

If you want to give your CV a boost, there are many voluntary agencies, including Volunteering New Zealand.

For gap-year and working-holiday opportunities, you can sort these out through an operator such as:

• Global Work & Travel
• GoAbroad.com
• Go Overseas
• Kiwi Experience
• Letz Live

Teaching jobs

There's always tough competition for teaching positions in New Zealand, with most teachers coming from countries such as:

• Australia
• Canada
• Ireland
• UK
• USA.

Teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are in high demand at both primary and secondary levels. Supply teachers are also highly sought-after.

Gaining a position is dependent on your previous teaching experience and qualifications. To check your eligibility and discover how to apply to teach in the country, visit the Teaching Council of New Zealand.

To teach English as a foreign language (TEFL), you'll usually require a Bachelors degree, plus a TEFL certificate. English is widely spoken, but you may still find opportunities in private language schools.

Upon arrival in New Zealand, teachers must register with the Teaching Council for their qualifications to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Popular places in New Zealand for those who want to teach include:

• Auckland
• Christchurch
• Queenstown
• Wellington.

Internships

Work placements and internships can help you develop your skills and experience while building a network of contacts who may help you secure permanent employment.

Good places to start searching for work experience in the country include:

• JENZA - Work New Zealand
• The Intern Group - Internships in New Zealand
• Intern NZ
• Internship New Zealand
• New Zealand Internships

Speaking directly with companies is also a proven way to find non-advertised opportunities.

New Zealand visas

There are various types of visas available if you want to live and work in New Zealand, either permanently or temporarily, and these are explained in more depth at Immigration New Zealand - Find and choose a visa.

To summarise, if you're from an accepted country, such as the UK, aged 18 to 35, and want to work on a temporary basis, you can apply for the Working Holiday Visa.

This visa allows young adults from the UK to travel and undertake temporary work in New Zealand for up to 36 months. Alternatively, you can engage in training or study for up to six months. A job offer is not required before applying. The visa costs NZD770 (£328) and is usually processed within three weeks.

Other options include the:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) - opt for this visa if you possess the necessary qualifications and experience for a particular role and have been offered a full-time job. It's valid for up to five years and costs from NZD775 (£330).
• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa - for those who have the skills, qualifications and experience to meet a New Zealand employer's need and are looking for a permanent, long-term position (indefinite stay in the country). Once you have a job offer from an accredited employer, you can submit an expression of interest (EOI). The visa costs from NZD6,450 (£2,748).
• Work to Residence Visa - if you're currently working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer, and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand job for two years, then you may qualify for this visa. You need to be aged 55 or younger to apply, and the cost is from NZD6,450 (£2,748).
• Straight to Residence Visa - this visa is for those working for, or with a job offer from, an accredited employer in a Tier 1 Green List in-demand role. Visa costs start from NZD6,450 (£2,067).

When considering applicants, Immigration New Zealand uses a points system. You get points for:

• age
• employability
• experience
• qualifications.

For more information on visas and work permits, contact the New Zealand embassy in your country of residence. In the UK, this is the New Zealand High Commission.

Language requirements

New Zealand's three official languages are:

• English
• Maori
• New Zealand Sign Language.

Most business is conducted in English, and organisations typically require competency in both spoken and written English.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Employers generally recognise UK qualifications, as the New Zealand education system shares many similarities with the UK system.

Trade certificates, diplomas, Bachelors degrees and postgraduate qualifications are all acknowledged.

What it's like to work in New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its:

• flexible working culture
• good work/life balance
• outdoor lifestyle.

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are increasingly common, particularly in professional services and technology roles.

The average working hours in New Zealand are typically 35 to 40 hours per week across five days, with 40 hours the maximum allowed.

The minimum hourly wage for adults aged 16 years or over as of April 2026 is NZD23.95 (£10.21).

The adult minimum wage is reviewed annually by the New Zealand government. Check current rates at Employment New Zealand - Minimum wage rates and types.

Holiday entitlement is generous by international standards. Employees are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous employment, and New Zealand has 11 national public holidays. If you work on a public holiday, you may be entitled to at least time-and-a-half pay, and in some circumstances an alternative holiday ('day in lieu').

Public holidays include:

• New Year's Day
• Day after New Year's Day
• Waitangi Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Anzac Day
• King's Birthday
• Matariki
• Labour Day
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day.

New Zealand also observes several regional anniversary days, which vary by location.

Understanding Māori culture and values can be beneficial when working in New Zealand. Many organisations incorporate te reo Māori (Māori language) and Māori customs into workplace practices.

New Zealand operates a progressive income tax system, meaning the tax rate you pay increases as your income rises. For the latest tax bands and rates, visit the New Zealand Inland Revenue.

According to Numbeo, the standard of living in New Zealand is high, while the cost of living is slightly lower than in the UK, with rent being considerably lower (around 18%).

Bear in mind that housing costs in major cities such as Auckland and Wellington can be high. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre can cost around NZ$1,900 (£810) per month.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in New Zealand.
• Get the lowdown on living in the country at Immigration New Zealand.