Everything you need to know about working in New Zealand: work hours, pay expectations, how taxes work, and where to land your first job.
Working while studying or during your Working Holiday year is one of the best ways to make the most of your time in New Zealand.
On top of helping cover your living expenses, it will boost your English skills, connect you with people from all over the world, and give you valuable work experience in an international environment.
But before you start sending out CVs, it's worth understanding how the New Zealand job market works.
How many hours can you work? What kind of jobs do students usually get? How do taxes work? What is an IRD Number and why is it so important?
In this guide, we answer all those questions so you land in New Zealand knowing exactly what to expect during your first few months.
Can I work in New Zealand?
Yes, though the conditions depend on the type of visa you hold.
If you study in New Zealand on a Student Visa that includes work rights, you can work up to 25 hours per week during term time and and full-time during scheduled breaks.
If you're travelling on a Working Holiday Visa, you can work full-time for the entire duration of your permit, subject to any specific conditions that may apply to your nationality.
And if you secure a Post Study Work Visa, after finishing your studies, you’ll also be able to work full-time for the duration of that permit.
If you’re still not sure which visa best fits your situation, check out our guide on visas for New Zealand, where we break down the differences between each option.
What jobs do students get in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers year-round job opportunities, particularly in industries with a constant demand for staff.
Many students find their first job in hospitality, working in cafés, restaurants, hotels or bars.
The retail sector also offers plenty of openings. Supermarkets, clothing shops and large stores take on staff all year round, especially in the bigger cities.
Some parts of the country also run major seasonal hiring campaigns.
In Queenstown, for example, demand for staff rises before the ski season, while in Tauranga it's common to find work linked to the kiwifruit industry during harvest season.
And if your English is good, you can also go for customer service, support or admin roles, especially in Auckland, where many national and international companies are based.
Don't worry if your first job isn't exactly the one you pictured.
Most students start with a job that lets them settle into the country and, as the months go by, find new openings as they gain experience and their English improves.
How much do you earn working in New Zealand?
New Zealand has one of the highest minimum wages in the world. As of April 1, 2026, the adult minimum wage is 23.95 NZD per hour. It is reviewed every April 1st, so the figure can go up from one year to the next.
There is a reduced rate of 19.16 NZD per hour, the starting rate, but it only applies to those under 20 in their first six months with an employer, or to those in a recognized training program. If you are 20 or older, you are entitled to the full adult wage from day one.
How much is that in practice? With a student visa and the permitted 25 hours per week, we are talking about around 599 NZD gross per week. With a Working Holiday visa at a full-time 40 hours, about 958 NZD gross weekly.
Taxes have to be deducted from that, so what actually hits your account is less. We explain it right below.
The actual salary will depend on the sector, the city, your experience, and the hours you work. Many jobs pay above the minimum, especially in hospitality with prior experience or in positions that require good English. Tips exist but are not as common as in other countries: count on your salary, not on them.
The standard practice is to be paid by bank transfer, on a weekly or biweekly basis.
How taxes work in New Zealand
When you start working in New Zealand, you'll notice the salary in the job offer isn't exactly what lands in your bank account.
As in most countries, tax and mandatory contributions come out of your pay before it reaches you.
The two terms that matter most to you are the PAYE and the IRD Number.
You don't need to know every detail of the tax system. What matters is understanding how these work, so your first payslips hold no surprises.
What is PAYE?
The PAYE (Pay As You Earn) It's the system by which taxes are deducted from your paycheck before you receive the money. You don't have to do anything: your employer withholds the taxes and pays them on your behalf.
New Zealand uses a bracket system, and you only pay the corresponding tax rate on the portion of your income that falls into each bracket. For the 2026–27 tax year:
- 10,5% on the first 15,600 NZD per year
- 17,5% between 15,600 and 53,500 NZD
- 30% between 53,500 and 78,100 NZD
- 33% between 78,100 and 180,000 NZD
- 39% above 180,000 NZD
If you’re a student and work 25 hours a week at minimum wage, you’ll fall between the first and second tax brackets. Your tax withholdings will be low.
Keep in mind that PAYE isn't the only thing that gets deducted from your pay. On your pay stub, you'll also see:
- The ACC rate. It funds the public accident insurance system, which covers everyone in New Zealand, whether you are a resident or not. It is a small, mandatory contribution.
- KiwiSaver. The retirement savings plan. It is voluntary, and you can opt out, but if you are enrolled by default, 3.5% will be deducted from your gross pay starting in April 2026.
Among these three factors, the difference between what the job posting states and what actually ends up in your bank account can be around 15–20%. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check the net, not the gross, when comparing offers.
What is the IRD Number?
The IRD Number is New Zealand's tax identification number.
You'll need it to work legally and so your employer can apply the right tax rate to your wages.
Applying for it is one of the first things we recommend doing when you arrive in the country.
In some cases you can start working before it arrives, but it's best to get it as early as possible to avoid paying more tax than you need to.
What happens if I don't have my IRD Number yet?
If you start working without an IRD Number, your employer may deduct much more tax than you actually owe.
That's why one of your first steps in New Zealand should be applying for this number and giving it to your employer as soon as it arrives.
That way you avoid overpaying tax from your very first payslips.
Can I get tax back?
Yes.
If you've paid more tax than you owed during the year, you may be entitled to a refund once the tax office reviews your situation.
That can happen, for example, if you only worked a few months, changed jobs, or started working before you had your IRD Number.
How to find work in New Zealand
Finding work in New Zealand is usually easier than many students expect, especially if you're proactive and your English is good enough for everyday conversation.
Most job ads are posted online, but handing in your CV in person still works very well, above all in cafés, restaurants, hotels and small shops.
Many students land their first job by combining both: applying online and walking the city to introduce themselves at the places they'd like to work.
Persistence makes the difference. The more applications you send and the more interviews you do, the sooner the offers arrive.
How to prepare a CV for New Zealand
The New Zealand CV is simple and very similar to the format used in other English-speaking countries.
Write it in English and keep it to one or two pages, highlighting the work experience, training and skills most relevant to the job you're going for.
It's not usual to include a photo, your date of birth or personal details that aren't relevant to the hiring process.
If you already have experience in customer service, hospitality, retail or sales, put it front and centre. Those profiles are in demand for many of the jobs international students tend to get.
Where to look for work in New Zealand
Most job openings are posted on dedicated job sites.
Some of the most widely used platforms are Seek, Trade Me Jobs and Indeed, where new openings appear every day across very different sectors.
If you're after hospitality or retail work, it's also worth walking the city with several copies of your CV and asking directly at cafés, restaurants, hotels and shops.
That kind of initiative can often set you apart from other candidates.
Tips for landing your first job
Finding work depends on many factors, but a few habits tend to speed up the process.
Arriving with a good level of English will widen your options considerably and open the door to better-paid roles.
It also pays to be flexible in the first few weeks. Your first job doesn't have to be the final one. Many students start in hospitality or retail and, once they know the job market better, find openings closer to their experience or training.
And above all, don't lose heart if the first replies take a while.
Job hunting is part of the experience, and most students end up finding something with persistence and a good attitude.
How Australian Way helps you
Looking for work in another country always raises plenty of questions.
Which city has the most opportunities? How do I prepare my CV? When should I start looking? What paperwork do I need before I can start working?
At Australian Way we're with you from day one, so you land in New Zealand with all of this clear.
Before you travel we'll answer all your questions about the job market, point you towards the kinds of jobs that fit your profile and walk you through the first steps to take when you arrive, like applying for the IRD Number.
We'll also help you adapt your CV to the format used in New Zealand and share recommendations so you can face the job hunt with more confidence.
Our goal is for you to focus on enjoying the experience while we stay with you through the whole process.
Frequently asked questions about working in New Zealand
Can I start working as soon as I arrive?
It depends on the type of visa you travel with.
If your permit lets you work from day one, you can start job hunting as soon as you arrive. That said, we recommend applying for the IRD Number as soon as possible to avoid issues with tax deductions.
Do I need English to find work?
It depends on the role.
For many jobs in hospitality or retail, being able to communicate with customers and workmates is enough. As your English improves, you can move into roles with more responsibility and better conditions.
How long does it take to find a job?
There's no fixed timeframe.
Some students find work within the first few weeks and others need a bit longer. The city, the time of year, your level of English and how persistent you are all play a big part.
Can I have more than one job?
Yes.
As long as you respect the conditions of your visa, you can work for more than one employer. On a Student Visa, remember the hour limit is a combined total, not per job.
What happens if I start working without an IRD Number?
Your employer may deduct more tax than you actually owe.
That's why it's best to apply for your IRD Number as early as possible and give it to your employer as soon as it arrives.
Can I get tax back if I've overpaid?
Yes.
If you've paid more tax than you owed during the year, you may be entitled to a refund once your tax situation is reviewed.
Ready to work in New Zealand?
Working in New Zealand is a chance to gain international experience, improve your English and help fund your stay while you discover one of the most spectacular countries in the world.
If you want to start putting your plan together, book a free call with our team.
We'll help you choose the best option for your goals and answer every question, so you can start this adventure with peace of mind.
Figures updated as of September 2026. Fees and fund amounts are periodically reviewed by Immigration New Zealand. Always verify current conditions before submitting your application.
