Working in New Zealand
Compared to bigger countries, Kiwi-style businesses are usually of smaller size. According to New Zealand Ministry of Innovation and Business, a great number of New Zealand businesses average under 14 employees, which is about half the average size of businesses in, for example, the USA. Even our big businesses are small by international standards.
The fact that our businesses are smaller sized affects working life in several ways. For example, you can work more closely with people at a higher management level, and that usually means you have better chances of being noticed and have an influence on things. Also there are fewer organisational layers. You will also feel much more involved in the team, instead of being just a number.
Working in New Zealand provides you with a good balancing of work, life and family. Working hard is important in New Zealand – but so is keeping a work life balance. Life is for living and employers generally respect that, which is why New Zealand workers enjoy about the best work/life balance in the world.
Employers here are also very sympathetic to the needs of employees who have families. For example, nearly 90% of people say their employer would let them take time off occasionally for special events involving family, according to a survey by the New Zealand Families Commission. Three quarters rated their work as having a lot or a fair amount of flexibility. Considering a request for flexible working hours from an employee who is caring for others is required by employment law here.
If you want to look for a job in New Zealand, you can visit the two major internet job boards – SEEK, and TradeMe. People from visa waiver countries can enter New Zealand without a visa. However, if you want to work in New Zealand, you must apply for a work visa. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to obtain a work visa, or how to apply for one, please contact us to find out.