Finding a job in New Zealand

This probably goes without saying, but to work in New Zealand, you’ll need a valid work visa (a WHV, for example).

You must obtain an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number before you can start working. Your IRD number will be your identification number for tax purposes.

You will also need to open a local bank account so that you can receive your wages.

Yes, anyone earning a wage in New Zealand (even temporary working holiday makers) must pay taxes. However, the good news is that you don’t need to worry about how to do this, as tax is deducted directly at the source. You will see these deductions on your payslips.

You must apply for your IRD number before you start working, as without an IRD number, you may be taxed directly at the highest tax rate. Learn more about the New Zealand tax system in Taxes in New Zealand (tax refund/tax return).

The minimum wage in New Zealand is $23.50 gross per hour (source). However, you might be able to earn more than the minimum wage.

You can use this online converter to convert an advertised salary (e.g. to an annual salary or an hourly salary) to check if it is an acceptable offer. Wages are sometimes quoted on an annual basis for full-time jobs.

If you plan to work in fruit picking (e.g. to get a WHV extension) and come across jobs paying by the “bin rate”, the employer must pay at least the minimum wage; otherwise, the work will be illegal. The same applies to jobs paid on commission.

If you are aged 18 or 19, employers may offer a lower starting-out wage. This is not mandatory (they may also pay a normal minimum wage) and you don’t have to accept a starting-out wage (but the employer has a right not to hire you if you don’t accept their wage).

In New Zealand, you are usually paid weekly according to the number of hours you have worked and you won’t receive a bonus if you work weekends, overtime or night shifts. All your hours will be paid at the same rate except if working on a public holiday.

If you work on public holidays, your employer must pay 1.5 x the regular salary. If a public holiday falls on a working day and your employer gives you the day off, your employer must pay you your regular salary.

As a working holiday maker, you cannot accept a permanent contract in New Zealand! However, you could suggest the company employs you as a fixed-term contract for 12 months (or less) if there is a permanent job that interests you.

Working holiday makers usually stick to temporary or fixed-term contracts (where you work a set number of full-time or part-time hours for a specified period of time), or casual contracts (where your hours are not set and can increase/reduce based on demand, especially in the hospitality industry).

Yes, working holiday makers can work as freelancers in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, anyone working full-time hours is usually entitled to 4 weeks of paid holiday per year. It is normal to accrue paid leave in full-time or part-time positions. If you leave the company without using all of your accrued leave, any days not taken will be paid out in your last paycheck.

If you are a casual or temporary worker, you may find paid holiday included in your pay (8% of your gross income added as “Casual Holiday Pay”). If your paid holiday is included in your salary, any holiday you take will not be remunerated. Be careful with job offers that state the salary including holiday pay. For example, an hourly salary advertised at $27 (incl holiday pay) means an hourly salary of $25, which is actually lower than a salary of $26.50 + 8%.

Note that mid-December to mid-January is the main holiday period in New Zealand. If you join a company after most employees have requested their leave, you may not be allowed this time off.

The number and duration of breaks are agreed with your employer at the time of hiring. However, you can expect a basic minimum of:

• A 10-minute paid break if you work between 2-4 hours a day.
• A 10-minute paid break and 30-minute unpaid lunch break if you work between 4-6 hours a day.
• 2 x 10-minute paid breaks and a 30-minute unpaid lunch break if you work between 6-8 hours a day.
• For every additional 2 hours worked, add another 10-minute paid break.

No, you must have a valid visa (e.g. a WHV) to work any voluntary role in which you receive something in return for your labour (accommodation, meals, etc.).