Jobs in Hamilton & Waikato
The Waikato region is a medium-sized economy with a strong primary production and agri-manufacturing focus.
Looking for more general employment information?
Although the economy is based on dairy, meat and other foods along with forestry, agritech and geothermal energy, the biggest employers are the health and education, business and finance, and wholesale and retail trade sectors. The aviation industry is also growing.
Waikato contributed 8.3 per cent to national GDP (year ended March 2016), provides 9.4 per cent of national employment and is home to an estimated 9.6 per cent of the national population [Source: Statistics New Zealand data, 2017].
Job vacancies in Hamilton & Waikato
Trade Me Jobs - lists a large number of jobs in the Waikato
Seek - New Zealand's largest general job website
New Kiwis - an online programme connecting skilled job seekers (local and global) with New Zealand employers
Workhere - specifically designed to connect offshore skilled workers and Kiwi expats with New Zealand employers
Work and Income - jobs available in the Waikato for Job Seekers
Careers New Zealand - lists recruitment companies in New Zealand
Newspapers
Most local newspapers publish jobs available in the area in the Situations Vacant column.
Job search help
Hamilton Multicultural Services - provides a Waikato Regional Newcomer Skills Matching and Job Search Assistance programme, matching skilled newcomers with businesses that need their skills.
Work Connect – a free programme to help skilled migrants and their partners get work ready for New Zealand’s job market. Work Connect offers a combination of group workshops and one-on-one coaching.
New Kiwi Career Success - a three day training course and follow-up workshop supporting skilled migrants to develop effective job search skills.
Careers NZ - offers a free service to assist with your job search and can prepare you for employment in the local labour market.
Work and Income - a government department helping to find employment for residents or those with a valid work permit.
New Kiwis - provides a programme linking New Zealand employers with skilled migrants living in New Zealand, or who are in the process of emigrating.
Work Talk | English Language Partners - an intensive, four-week course for confident users of English. Here, you will learn how to prepare your CV, approach employers, and practice for job interviews.
Business networking organisations
South Waikato Economic Development group - supports local businesses in the South Waikato area
Hamilton Central Business Association - supports property and business owners in Hamilton central business district (CBD)
Waikato Chinese Business Association - offers support to Chinese business owners in the Waikato region
Ethnic Business Network - a hub of resources, knowledge, training, opportunities and networking for ethnic businesses and entrepreneurs
Venus Network - a business network for women
Local Chambers of Commerce support businesses by offering advice, consultancy, training and networking opportunities. See:
Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce
Pacific Business Trust - Assists Pacific Island business owners take advantage of opportunities available. Helps with financial advice, networks, etc.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience, meet new people, learn about your community, and improve your English skills.
Volunteering Waikato matches volunteers looking for volunteering roles with organisations looking for specific skills, and offers free to low-cost training for volunteers.
Volunteer support organisations
Young Workers' Resource Centre - a non-profit organisation funded by the Waikato community to bring free support and advice to youth in the workforce
Dress for success - a not-for-profit organisation that works to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing support and clothing for interviews