Employment

If you’re studying a 3-year course, you can work during the summer holidays and up to 20 hours a week during the academic year. You’ll need a ‘variation of conditions’ to your student permit. This is issued by Immigration New Zealand. A fee may apply.

These rules don’t apply if you’re a postgraduate student or need to get work experience in order to fulfil course requirements.

For more information, visit the international office of your institution or contact Immigration New Zealand, on (09) 914 4100 if you are in Auckland, or freephone 0508 558 855 from elsewhere in New Zealand. You can also visit their website [www.immigration.govt.nz]

Paying tax

Everybody who works in New Zealand must pay tax.

Labour laws

Strict laws set out the responsibilities of workers and employers.

• Employers must not take advantage of or mistreat employees
• There is a minimum adult wage, and regulations for holiday pay and health and safety in the workplace
• No gender discrimination is allowed - men and women receive equal pay for doing the same job

For more information contact the Department of Labour.

Finding a job

Student Job Search is a national organisation that helps students find work. It has offices on most campuses. For jobs such as working in a restaurant or bar, or doing manual labour, you could expect to earn about NZ$10.25 to $15 an hour, before tax.

Source: www.newzealandeducated.com

Note: The above information taken from www.newzealandeducated.com is current at the time it was sourced in October 2010. While all attempts will be made to ensure this information is up to date no guarantee can be given that the information will be current at the time it is viewed. Please visit www.newzealandeducated.com in order to confirm the information is current or contact us to receive information and assistance relating to study abroad in New Zealand.