Finding a job – where to start
To be able to work at a job in New Zealand, you will need to make sure you have everything you need to be allowed to work here.
What do I need to be allowed to work in New Zealand?
To work in New Zealand you must have either
- Citizenship of New Zealand or Australia or
- A residence permit or work permit – or a variation of conditions which allows you to work on a student permit or visitor permit
You can find out more information at www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/.
Our labour laws are different to other countries' labour laws. The Department of Labour website is very informative and explains labour law in New Zealand in a very simple way. It is designed to be used by employees and employers. It includes information about minimum wages, holidays, rights at work, unions, and paid parental leave. It also explains what to do if you have problems at work. www.ers.dol.govt.nz/
How do I find a job?
There are several ways of finding a job in New Zealand – through newspapers, websites, personal approaches to employers, and agencies. You can try any or all of these methods to help you find work.
All the daily papers have a Situations Vacant section advertising job vacancies. The main daily paper in the Hutt Valley region is the Dominion Post.
You can check out these websites for job opportunities:
Useful employment agencies and resources
The following organisations and agencies hold valuable information about business and employment in our area.
They can help you in your search for work and give you information about the job market, the types of benefits available and resources for starting up a new business in Hutt City.
Careers New Zealand
This government agency offers free assistance to job seekers through their website www.careers.govt.nz or free phone 0800 222 733. They can provide information and advice for effective job seeking and help you with writing your CV.
MCLaSS
MCLaSS provides free adult education and support for refugees and migrants in the Wellington region. MCLaSS focuses on helping new New Zealanders whose first language is not English with Adult ESOL literacy courses, job brokering, career coaching and maintaining their mother tongue.
MCLaSS job brokers are available at Naenae Community Link, next to Naenae Work and Income and Te Awa Kairangi building, at the corner of Laings Road and Myrtle Street, Lower Hutt.
Phone MCLaSS at 04 384 3693 to make an appointment, or visit the MCLaSS website.
Business Central
The Business Central runs newcomer skills matching programme. The aim of the programme is to work with the region's employers to match the skills they require for their business from a pool of skilled newcomers. The programme also assists newcomers with their career pathway development. You are eligible to use this employment service if you have been in New Zealand up to two years and are:
- a skilled migrant
- a partner of a skilled migrant
- transitioning from a student to work visa
- a refugee
For programme details check their website or contact Kirstie Talbot by phone at 04 470 9949 or by email kirstie.talbot@businesscentral.org.nz.
Grow Wellington
Grow Wellington helps new businesses in the Wellington region. the Grow Wellington website has lots of information about how to set up and run a business, and they offer mentoring and support.
Student Job Search
If you are studying at a polytechnic or university, you can use the Student Job Search website to help you find casual work. They have lots of short-term and long-term jobs and also offer a course-matching job service which can help place you in work relevant to your study.
Human Rights Commission
It is illegal in New Zealand to discriminate on the grounds of race, ethnicity, background, sex, age, disability, religion or family status, among other things. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you can contact the Human Rights Commission.
The Commission provides free and independent help. Visit the Commission's website or contact them on their free phone 0800 496 877.
Starting your own business
If you want to start a business, these agencies can help:
