Migrate New Zealand
Working in New Zealand
Working in New Zealand
Finding a job in New Zealand
Finding a job in New Zealand has many benefits. Most specifically, you earn money to help pay for tuition and living costs, and you have the chance to meet new people and possibly make new friends. The New Zealand workplace is typically very casual – business attire is informal and colleagues often socialise outside of work hours – so gaining employment also gives you a chance to experience another side of Kiwi life.
University students typically find employment in the hospitality and retail sectors, as the night and weekend work common with these industries is perfect for someone who is studying. You can try and find employment before you leave for New Zealand – the popularity of online job sites makes this feasible – but if you are unable to do so, you will find many opportunities once you arrive.
As well as job sites, employers also advertise in local and metropolitan papers. If you don’t have your own transport, your local paper will probably have more easily accessed job vacancies. Noticeboards at your university should also be covered in help wanted ads.
Set aside a day to walk through a shopping or the central business district and hand out your resume. Ensure you look well presented and are polite and friendly at all times.
If this doesn’t work, start asking around. If your friend finds a job, perhaps her employer is looking for more employees? If you’re placed with a home stay family, perhaps they’ll know someone who can employ you. The international student centre may also be able to help. Finding a job in New Zealand can take time and a little bit of effort, but benefits are numerous.
New Zealand Tax
Before you begin working in New Zealand, you will need an IRD number. This is number issued to you by the Inland Revenue Department for tax and identification purposes. You can get an IRD number by visiting the IRD website. It is free to do so, and you can even do it before you arrive in New Zealand.
If you are earning an income in New Zealand, you will probably have to pay income tax. New Zealand uses the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) system, which means that your employer will deduct your tax from your regular income. At the end of the financial year (July) you will need to submit a tax return. You can do this on the IRD website or hire an accountant to do it for you. Once you’ve lodged your tax return, you may be entitled to a tax refund or may be issued with a bill. If you are issued with a bill, you must pay this amount before you return home. The IRD can arrange a payment plan for large tax bills.
Be sure you are completely honest when dealing with the IRD – if you are caught lying or providing misleading information, the penalty can be anything from a large fine to jail time.
Cash in hand work
Some unscrupulous employers will try to take advantage of foreign students by offering them cash in hand work; this is common with fruit picking and hospitality work. When you work for cash in the hand, there is no record of your employment with the company. If your employer has underpaid you or made you work under dangerous conditions, you have no course of action, as you cannot prove you were ever employed there.
Cash in hand work also robs you of the benefits to which you are legally entitled, such as superannuation. You will also get in to a lot of trouble if the Inland Revenue Department learns that you are earning an income that you are not declaring. Cash in hand work can have many consequences. You should never accept this sort of work.
Please note that some employers do still pay their employees with cash, as opposed to a bank deposit – this is not necessarily cash in hand work. As a general rule, if you have provided an IRD number and receive a pay slip, you are working legally.
19.10.2008 New Zealand University
Universities in New Zealand are internationally respected for their academic and research standards.
