Overseas candidates
We often receive inquiries from overseas candidates asking about working in New Zealand. Some of the questions relate to:
We have successfully supported and placed many overseas candidates in New Zealand positions. There are two ways that overseas candidates can work in New Zealand:
What is life in New Zealand like? Well, that depends on what you compare it to. For somebody from a farm in rural South Africa, Auckland could seem bustling and fast-paced. Someone from Bangkok or New York, however, may think Auckland is incredibly peaceful and safe.
Below, we have outlined the basic facts:
Most people in New Zealand drive a car – on the left hand side of the road – and public transportation is limited to larger cities and towns. Auckland currently has a light rail system and a bus system and is working on improving public transportation. If you emigrate, we recommend you convert your drivers’ license to the local equivalent as soon as possible. See www.nzta.govt.nz for more information. Due to low tariffs, new cars are relatively affordable in New Zealand. Also, many good-quality used Japanese cars, aged two to three years, are imported and sold at competitive prices.
New Zealand enjoys a good standard of health care with a government-funded health care system. Government funding supports public hospitals, low-cost prescriptions, emergency care; certain operations, prenatal and child health care and other health areas in the public interest. For an overview of health in New Zealand, see www.health.govt.nz
All children in New Zealand can attend state-sponsored schools through to the sixth or seventh form (year 12 and 13). There are several quality universities and many polytechnic institutes for tertiary education. Universities, while partly state sponsored, charge students tuition fees and housing fees if they live in dormitories.
With agriculture, horticulture and fishing all integral to New Zealand’s economy, standard groceries are affordable, fresh and of high quality — people from highly industrialised countries are often delighted by the flavours. Depending on where you’re from, you may notice fewer brands of packaged and prepared food because of the modest size of the New Zealand economy. In larger cities, there are many ethnic and gourmet specialty shops and restaurants. For more information about food and dining in New Zealand, see New Zealand’s Cuisine Magazine.
In New Zealand, most people live in houses or small apartment blocks. Most large apartment blocks are found in downtown Auckland or Wellington. In Auckland, there are plenty of short-term furnished rentals available, which are useful as a temporary living space.
In New Zealand, there is a full range of professional opportunities available. Many immigrants find New Zealand work places to be pleasantly relaxed and friendly, while still highly productive and professional. It’s notable that high proportions of New Zealand businesses deal with imports, exports and international clients.
Over 70% of new immigrants to New Zealand choose to live in Auckland. Why? Because that’s where most of the jobs are.
But, there are other benefits to living in Auckland. They are:
For many immigrants, Auckland is where certain lifestyle dreams become attainable, such owning a boat, riding horses, or living in a house near the beach. These things are much more affordable in New Zealand than in Europe, Asia, or the United States.