New Zealand prides itself on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Types and location of businesses
Roughly 97% of New Zealand businesses hire 20 or fewer people – so you’re likely to find yourself working for a small to medium sized enterprise here.

Almost one third of all businesses are located in the Auckland region. Wellington, Waikato and Bay of Plenty are other large commercially-oriented regions. In the South Island, over half of all business locations are in the Canterbury region.

Finding a job
When creating your CV to give to New Zealand employers, make sure it’s well written. The better you represent yourself and the skills you’ve gained in Singapore and Malaysia, the more likely an employer is to hire you. Also, don’t be afraid to highlight your strengths – this will help to convince the employer that they should hire you.

Whether seasonal or career oriented, click here to learn more about finding work in New Zealand on NewZealandNow.

Work week and holiday time
In New Zealand, a working week is generally 40 hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Monday – Friday. You earn 4 weeks of paid holiday for every full year of employment with any one employer.   For part-time or casual work, your holiday pay will be based on the percentage of the year that you work.   

Cultural norms in the workplace
How does working life in New Zealand differ from Singapore or Malaysia? You tell us! Here are a few insights into a typical Kiwi work environment:
 

• New Zealand companies are not generally hierarchical and have a flat management structure. You’re encouraged to share your ideas and suggestions.
• Men and women have equal opportunities in New Zealand. There’s almost a 50% split between employed males and females in the New Zealand work force.  You should expect that your interviews will be with both men and women who may be your manager or co-worker.
• It’s important to stand and speak confidently when greeting an employer.  Maintaining direct eye contact is seen as a sign of respect.  
• Don’t be surprised if people casually hand you their business card and ask for yours in return – it’s unlike the more formal Singaporean or Malaysian style. It’s a small country, and we take every opportunity to network!
• Our workplaces are very social. People will be interested in your personal life and eager to learn how you’re settling into New Zealand life. Be prepared to talk about these things and learn about co-workers’ lives as well!

Salary
The following guide will give you an idea of the average annual salary for different jobs in New Zealand. These provide an indication only – your actual income will depend on your employer, your qualifications and experience, and the role you undertake.

(Please note all salaries are listed in $NZ.)
 

• Your IRD number

Everyone who works in New Zealand needs an IRD number, including new migrants. This is a unique number that allows your taxes to be collected via your wages or salary. You’ll need an IRD number to give to your employer and to ensure that you pay the right tax rate.

Without an IRD number you’ll be taxed at a much higher rate than you should. It’s called the ‘no declaration’ rate, and it’s 45% of your gross income. So you can see why getting an IRD number is so important.

To apply for an IRD number, click here.

• Tax rates

The rate at which you’re taxed depends on your level of income. The tax rate is a graduated scale – rather than a flat rate – and starts at 10.5% for income up to $14,000, capping at 33%. However, businesses pay a flat tax rate of 30%.
 

Taxpayers’ money is spent on a range of public services, including maintaining New Zealand’s national parks, marine reserves and wildlife.

To learn more about taxes and financial systems on the NewZealandNow website click here.