The New Zealand economy is in a period of strong growth. The excellent quality of life, relaxed jobs and no unemployment make this country an excellent place to settle. But it is not easy to move and work in New Zealand.
The small population and flat land favor the agricultural sector, which is still an important source of wealth. The main crops are cereals, fruit and viticulture. Livestock is also important, with significant production of wool and milk.
The most developed industries are the agricultural and food industry, textile industry, chemical industry, wood industry and electrical industry. Tourism is growing rapidly and is an important voice in the New Zealand economy.
New Zealand’s GDP per capita is on par with that of Italy. The labor market is growing steadily and offers good employment opportunities for foreign migrant workers. Some jobs are in high demand and are included in the list of skills shortages that the government regularly produces.
Work in New Zealand visas
1.Talent Work Visa lasts 30 months and can be applied for by a worker who is under 55 years old and has received a job offer from an employer accredited with the Immigration Service. After two years of working for the company, you can apply for a residence visa.
2.Long Term Skills Shortage List visa (LTSS), lasts 30 months and can be applied for by a worker who is under 55 years old and whose job is on the list. After two years of work it is possible to apply for the residence visa.
3.Skilled Migrant Category Visa (SMC) is open-ended and may be applied for by a worker under the age of 55 who is highly skilled and has excellent English language skills. A point system is used to evaluate the requirements.
4.Working Holiday Visa (WHV), can be applied for by citizens of some countries who are under 31 years of age. It allows you to stay in New Zealand for 12 months, which can be extended for another 11 months. In the meantime, it is possible to work, but only for a maximum of 12 months. With this visa it is also possible to study for a maximum of 6 months. You can freely enter and leave New Zealand territory. You will need to prove that you have a minimum amount of NZ$4,200 for your living expenses during your stay and health insurance that also covers accidents and hospital expenses. You will also need a return ticket or proof that you have enough money to buy it.
Job opportunities in New Zealand
The largest employment opportunities currently exist in the following sectors:
- Agriculture: especially in seasonal work and during harvest time
- Construction: see the list of construction skills shortages
- IT: information technology professionals (IT)
- Engineering: Engineering jobs are in high demand
- Health: high demand for doctors and nurses
- Tourism and hospitality: hotels, restaurants, summer and winter resorts offer both temporary and permanent jobs
New Zealand is a newer destination compared to Australia, so the job market is less competitive. You must know English and the biggest job opportunities are in the major cities of the South and North Island: Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland.
Work in New Zealand useful resources
- New Zealand Now, government website with all the information about working in New Zealand
- Work Visa Guide, government guide to work visas
- Visa Guide Hospitality, visa guida for New Zealand hospitality industry
- If you want to start a business in New Zealand you will find all relevant information on the website of the New Zealand Ministry of Affairs and Innovation
Job search in New Zealand
For job search you can use:
1.LinkedIn, many jobs are not posted on job search websites, so it is important to use social networking or submit your resume to company websites. If your application is interesting, you will be contacted for an interview via Skype.
2.Hand over your CV, in New Zealand it is customary to hand in your resume in person.
3.Searching the internet for the companies can be a good strategy. Showing initiative always makes a good impression and even if the company does not have a vacancy, they might recommend another one. I would like to refer you to the government Companies Office website, where over 600 thousand companies are registered. You can search by company type, location or other criteria.
4.New Kiwis, online foreign worker recruitment program. Free national service that matches skilled professionals with New Zealand employers. You can register your CV or search for jobs.
5.Job search websites
- Careersnz, government website
- Workingin, one of the most popular websites
- Seek, quite popular website
- Trademe, classifieds website
- Jobfix, job listing in Queenstown
- Tradestaff, recruitment agency
- Quinnstaff, recrutment agency in Auckland
- Myjobspace, recruitment agency
- Careersnz, job posting and list of recruitment websites
- Careerjet, jobbsearh engine
- Volunteeringnz, offers for volunteering in New Zealand
For some professions, you must register in the professional registry. During the registration process, eligibility to practice the profession in New Zealand is also checked.
The list of professional bodies you can ask for information:
- Architects
- Electricians
- Engineers
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Veterinarians
Foreign qualifications are not always recognized, they often require integrations and internships. You can check your qualifications with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Work in New Zealand conclusion
It is not easy for a New Zealand company to hire a foreign worker without knowing him while he is still overseas. Among other things, the employer must prove that he has not found anyone in New Zealand who can fill the position. So he will only sponsor you if he is sure of your skills and willingness to stay for a long time.
So if you are really interested in relocating to New Zealand, I recommend you:
- go to New Zealand on a WHV, you can spend almost 2 years in the country, more than enough time to find a job
- go with a student visa, you can study, work, make contacts and use the agencies that offer sponsorships for foreign workers
- do an internship, in addition to work experience it will help you build a network of contacts useful for your job search
