Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in New Zealand

Jump right in:

• How to get a job in New Zealand as a foreigner
• How to apply for a job in New Zealand
• Minimum wage & average salary
• Most in-demand jobs & their salaries in New Zealand
• Self-employment or owning a business in New Zealand
• Local business culture
• Social security & benefits
• Parental leave in New Zealand

How to get a job in New Zealand as a foreigner

Finding a job in New Zealand is often the first step in your moving process, as you will typically need a job offer to apply for a work visa.

There are job opportunities for foreigners in New Zealand if you know where to look. For starters, there are specific websites that connect foreign workers to New Zealand employers. This is a good place to start, as these employers are typically experienced and open to hiring foreign workers:

• Workhere
• Working In
• Kimi Mahi Mai – Find a Job

Of course, you can also try your luck with popular but more general job search websites, including the following. Just keep in mind not all employers may be open to hiring workers from overseas.

• TradeMe
• Seek
• Indeed
• Jobspace
• ZEIL

There are dozens of industry-specific websites for New Zealand, anything from health, law, engineering, tourism, IT, and many others. You can find a complete list of websites for job hunting (by industry) on the official government website.

Networking tips

Networking is very important in New Zealand, as most job positions may not even get to the advertising phase. It’s useful to put yourself in situations where you can meet other professionals in your industry and to look for opportunities to introduce yourself at such events.

You will not have difficulty finding network opportunities in the bigger cities. You can also try service clubs, which do not specifically cater to networking but may present good opportunities to meet other professionals in your community. It’s also worth checking out InterNations events in your city, we regularly host gatherings where you can widen your social circle and potentially network with like-minded expats and locals in a relaxed setting.

How to apply for a job in New Zealand

Once you’ve found a few promising job ads, you can start confidently applying for a job. Make sure you read on to know the country-style CV and get tips for your cover letter tips and job interview.

What should your CV include?

There are two main types of CV you may successfully use in New Zealand: a skills-focused CV, and a work-focused CV.

The first is recommended for first-time job seekers or workers changing their career, while the second is for you if you already have strong work experience in the respective field.

Whichever you choose, make sure your CV includes:

• name and contact details
• technical and personal skills
• work experience, as well as community and volunteer experience
• qualifications and education
• references (you can include contact details of the referees or note that referees are available upon request)

The following are optional:

• an objective and personal statement
• achievements
• interests

Here is what you should not include:

• pictures or images
• date of birth or age
• marital status, religion, bank account details
• irrelevant work experience or interests

You can also find CV and cover letter templates on the government's official career website.

Do you need a cover letter?

It is advised to send a cover letter along with your CV, as a pitch to why you should get the position. Start by introducing yourself, followed by an explanation of your skills, experience, and suitability to the position. Keep it one page only. Remember to keep your writing style formal and persuasive, without sounding too boastful.

Tips for job interviews in New Zealand

• Be prepared for a formal but relaxed interview.
• You will often be asked about specific situations from your previous job experiences, to demonstrate how you would handle a given challenge.
• Be confident when describing your skills and experience, but be careful not to sound arrogant
• Keep your discourse and posture friendly and professional.

Minimum wage & average salary

Salaries in New Zealand can vary considerably depending on the sector and experience. The government sets the legal minimum wage applicable nationwide, and the median salary provides a general picture of the wages earned by workers across sectors. Highly skilled professionals can earn well above the average.

What is the median annual salary in New Zealand?

Earnings vary widely, but as of 2025, the median annual salary in New Zealand is around 69,800 NZD (40,100 USD) based on full-time work week of 40 hours.

What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?

In 2025, the adult minimum wage in New Zealand was set at 23.50 NZD (13.50 USD) per hour before tax. That works out to approximately:

• 188 NZD (108 USD) per day based on an 8-hour day
• 940 NZD (540 USD) per week based on a 40-hour week
• 3,950 NZD (2,270 USD) per month

There are lower minimum rates for starting-out workers and trainees, which are set at 18.80 NZD (10.80 USD) per hour.

Most in-demand jobs & their salaries in New Zealand

Below is the average annual salary for popular jobs:

Other in-demand jobs in New Zealand

• General practitioners
• Specialist doctors and surgeons
• Midwife
• ICT, electronics and communications
• Construction professionals
• Structural engineer 
• Electrical engineer 
• Mechanical engineer 
• Veterinarian

For an extended list of in-demand jobs, visit the  New Zealand career website.

Self-employment or owning a business in New Zealand

As a foreigner, the conditions under which you can be self-employed in New Zealand will depend on your specific visa. Read our Visas and Work Permits section of this guide for more information.

If you do hold a work visa that allows you to be self-employed in the country, you’re entitled to run a business or work as a freelancer. There are three common types of business you may choose from:

• Sole trader: As a sole trader, you're essentially a company of one. It’s the cheapest and easiest option to set up but also means you’re solely responsible for any debts.
• Limited company: Legally separate from its owner, starting a company means your personal risks and liability are limited. However, its structure also is more complex and professional advice is strongly recommended.
• Partnership: Based on a partnership agreement, two or more people or organizations come together to share the work, profits, and debts. Limited liability companies (Ltd.): The most popular corporate structure due to its ease of setup, minimal costs, and protection for shareholders, who are only liable for their contributed capital.

You can check other business structures for your business in New Zealand for more details on trusts, incorporated societies, credit unions, unlimited companies, and more.

How to be self-employed in New Zealand

To be self-employed as a sole trader you need to:

• Have a personal IRD number and inform Inland Revenue you’re planning to work as a sole trader.
• Register for GST if your expected annual turnover is over 60,000 NZD (34,540 USD)
• Check whether your business needs any government licenses, permits, or registrations using the provided Compliance Matters tool.
• Set up your ACC account. You’re automatically covered by New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme, but you’ll need to register for a MyACC for Business account to manage and pay your levies.

The New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)

If you want to speed up your interactions with the government, clients, suppliers, or others, best get a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). 

This is a unique number that identifies your business. It registers your contact details, from your phone number to your address and email — and automatically updates every business contact you have in case any of these changes. This makes sure all your stakeholders are up to date on your correct contact details, and also speeds up the process of getting invoices.

To apply, you need the following:

• the IRD number of the business (in case of sole traders, that’s your personal IRD number)
• proof of identity (e.g., passport)
• a fully set up MyNZBN account

Self-employed benefits in New Zealand

As a self-employed person, you may be eligible for some of the same benefits as employees, though not all. For example, you can qualify for paid parental leave if you have worked an average of at least 10 hours per week as a self-employed person for 26 of the 52 weeks before your due date, provided that you stop working during the payment period.

You may also be entitled to the Self-employed Start Up Payment, which helps with the initial costs of setting up your business in New Zealand.

The Flexi-wage for self-employment offers another pathway, providing up to 600 NZD (345 USD) a week for 28 weeks to help cover business expenses or living costs while your business is still in its early stages.

There’s also the option to receive help with setting up your business plan and get general advice through the Business Training and Advice Grant.

Healthcare coverage for self-employed workers

When it comes to health coverage, you’re automatically entitled to the ACC’s CoverPlus. This ensures that if you cannot work due to an accident, you can get compensation of up to 80% of your income based on the previous financial year in weekly compensations. You’ll also be assisted with the costs of treatments and rehabilitation.

It’s important to remember, though, that ACC only covers injuries, not illnesses. If you can’t work because of sickness, ACC won’t step in. That’s why you should also consider other types of cover such as:

• Income protection insurance pays you a regular income if illness or injury stops you working, usually up to around 75% of what you’d normally earn. This includes health conditions like cancer or heart disease that ACC doesn’t cover.
• Private health insurance helps you access specialist care, tests, and elective surgeries more quickly, so you can recover and get back to work sooner.

For more benefits you may be entitled to when working in New Zealand, have a look at the complete list of government benefits.

Local business culture

New Zealand’s business culture is quite inviting. If you have a positive can-do attitude, you’ll to do well in the workplace.

Work–life balance

A good work–life balance is very important and commonly respected in New Zealand, with a work culture that helps employees make space for family, leisure, and community, too.

Hierarchy

Don’t expect too much hierarchy. New Zealand’s working culture is fairly informal. It gives room for employees of every level to contribute with ideas and feedback — in fact, you’re expected to do so no matter what position you hold in the company.

Coworkers and managers

It is common to address colleagues, superiors, and clients by their first name. The management style is also informal. New Zealanders care to be managed as autonomous, capable workers, so keep that in mind in case you’re in a management position.

Dress code

Workplace dress in New Zealand is usually smart casual rather than very formal. Suits and ties are less common outside of traditional sectors. Still, it’s always a good idea to dress neatly for your first days, then adjust to the usual style of your workplace.

Social security & benefits

New Zealand has a non-contributory system since their social welfare is mostly funded by general taxation. New Zealanders do not pay for social security but do contribute to the ACC, the Accident Compensation Corporation. As the name indicates, this scheme covers you in the case of accidents, work-related or otherwise.

How to apply for a social security number

The social security number of New Zealand is the IRD, the same as the tax number. To get your IRD, you will need to gather all the required documents, apply either online or in person, and wait to receive your IRD.

Whether you can apply online or in person, and the exact documents you need, depends on your visa type and personal situation. You can always check the official Inland Revenue website for the most up-to-date requirements. In general, you will need:

• your passport details
• the Immigration Application Number (which can be found on the visa approval letter from Immigration New Zealand)

If you already have a work visa, you’ll also need:

• the most recent tax number from overseas (if it applies)
• proof of a bank account in New Zealand (containing your name and account number)

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your IRD number within two to ten days by email or text, or within ten to twelve days via mail.

New Zealand’s social security benefits

Social security benefits are administered by Work and Income are typically reserved for citizens, permanent residents, and holders of a New Zealand residence class visa. Each benefit also has their own additional criteria and you need to have lived in the country for a minimum period of time — 2 years in most cases, 10 to 20 years when it comes to getting a pension. Thanks to Social Security Agreements (SSA) between New Zealand and other countries, some of your time spent abroad may still count towards these time requirements.

If you’re eligible, you could get assistance regarding:

• Unemployment
• Living expenses (food, school, accommodation costs, etc.)
• Health issues and disability (prescriptions, GP costs, etc.)
• Education and training (for 16 to 19-year-olds)
• Childcare (stationary, uniforms, childbirth, etc.)

New Zealand Superannuation — or NZ Super for short — refers to the nation’s pension system, while KiwiSaver is a additional voluntary retirement savings scheme.

Other benefits

Many other benefits are included in New Zealand’s welfare system, including benefits for carers, emergencies, payment issues, and urgent or unexpected costs.

You can check this comprehensive list of benefits provided by the New Zealand government, for more information on each benefit.

Parental leave in New Zealand

Eligibility for parental leave in New Zealand depends on how long you have already worked with your current employer or whether you’re self-employed.

There are 4 main types of parental leave. The type of leave you can take depends on your circumstances.

Primary carer leave:

This is up to 26 weeks of government-funded paid leave for employees who give birth or take on permanent primary responsibility for the care of a child under six. You must notify your employer in advance if you are applying for primary carer leave.

Negotiated carer leave:

If you don’t qualify for primary carer leave (e.g. because you’ve recently changed employer), you will have to negotiate your parental leave with your employer (in writing). Your employer can deny the request but has to provide a written explanation.

Partner’s leave:

If you’re a partner or spouse of a new parent (not limited to birth mothers), you may be entitled to the following:

• One-week unpaid leave (if you meet the 6-month time criteria)
• Two-weeks unpaid leave (if you meet the 12-month time criteria)

This leave may start any time in the 21 days before or after the birth or the day their partner becomes the primary caregiver of the child.

Extended leave:

Following the primary carer leave, an extended leave allows you to take up to up to a full year off to spend with your child. Extended leave is unpaid, and you need to inform your employer about your desire to take extended leave at the same time when you’re requesting primary carer leave.

How long is parental leave?

The length of parental leave you can take depends on how long you’ve worked for your employer:

If you’ve worked at least 6 months for an average of 10 hours per week, you can take 26 weeks of unpaid leave. During this time, you may receive up to 26 weeks of government-funded parental leave payments.

If you’ve worked at least 12 months for an average of 10 hours per week, you can take up to 52 weeks of unpaid leave. This is usually taken as 26 weeks of primary carer leave and up to 26 weeks of extended leave. You can still only receive 26 weeks of paid parental leave payments.

How much are the parental leave payments?

You might be eligible for parental leave payments if you meet the minimum work requirements. In contrast to the actual leave regulations described above, you can add together the hours of multiple employers to qualify for leave payments.

The weekly payment matches your ordinary or average income, up to a maximum of 788.66 NZD (455 USD) per week before tax (as of early 2026). Payments are made every fortnight and are taxed like any other income. Once your payment period starts, you must stop working, otherwise you’ll lose your entitlement.

Parental leave and benefits for self-employed

If you’re self-employed, you may qualify for parental leave payments if you’ve worked an average of at least 10 hours per week in any 26 of the 52 weeks before your baby’s due date or the date you become the primary carer of a child under six.

As with employees, the maximum amount of paid leave you may receive is 788.66 NZD (455 USD) a week. The minimum parental leave payment for self-employed individuals is 235 NZD (135 USD) a week (as of early 2026). This is fixed at 10 hours of the adult minimum wage, so this payment increases each year when the minimum wage changes.