New Zealand Employment

New Zealand Employment – It's a good time to come and work in New Zealand. But working life here may be quite different from your home country.

New Zealand is putting an emphasis on attracting Skilled Migrants, and the New Zealand Immigration Service has a set of guidelines for determining if you would qualify for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category. These can be reviewed in detail by obtaining On Arrival's Guide to Immigration.

The New Zealand Immigration Service has identified specific employment opportunities as necessary for its growth as a nation.

We're looking for people who have skills, experience and relevant job offers to fill these. And we want invited people to settle here feeling welcome and able to make a positive contribution.

The New Zealand Department of Labour maintains an Occupational Shortages List. The purpose of this list is to enhance and streamline the processing of work permits and visas, and approvals in principle for work permits or visas where there is a known regional labour market skills shortage.

Typical New Zealand businesses are small compared to those in other countries. But there are also large international companies with offices in New Zealand, and there is a strong government sector, especially in Wellington.

The New Zealand labour market is changing rapidly as our society changes. There are more women in the workforce, older people, and more people from countries outside New Zealand. Key employment statistics show trends in the labour market and indicate strong economic growth.

It is estimated that around 70% of jobs in New Zealand are filled without being advertised. Of the 30% that are advertised, most are advertised on Internet vacancy sites or in the Situations section of newspapers.

Although you may have gained 'points' towards your New Zealand residence approval based on your qualifications and experience, this may not mean you will easily find a job in your preferred career. The New Zealand job market is very competitive and some employers may not recognise your overseas qualifications and training.

Most New Zealand employers prefer to employ immigrants who can speak, read and write English and you may find it difficult to find work if you cannot do so.

Working conditions vary in New Zealand depending on the kind of work you're doing and the location you're working in.

A series of tables providing information on average earnings in major New Zealand sectors is included in our documentation.

As a New Zealand resident you will be required to pay tax on all the income you receive, whether this is generated in New Zealand or overseas.

New Zealand's occupational health and safety laws require all employers to provide a safe working environment. Likewise, employees must follow all safety procedures.

Everyone in New Zealand is covered by a Government run accident compensation scheme. It covers all citizens, residents and temporary visitors. But in return you don't have the right to take legal action for personal injury.

Once you find a job you'll be offered an Employment Agreement. All employers must offer their workers either an individual or a collective Employment Agreement written in plain language.

There is no automatic right to the renewal or extension of a fixed-term Employment Agreement unless this is specifically stated in your agreement.

Employees can choose whether they wish to join a union. Jobs cannot be withheld on the basis of membership or non-membership of a union.

New Zealand employment law prohibits discrimination in the work place. EEO means making sure that nobody is discriminated against when they apply for a job. People with disabilities, women with young children, lesbians and gay men, people from different ethnic groups, older people – everybody should be treated equally to find the best person for the job.

For more information you can Purchase a Guide to New Zealand Employment.