A Guide to Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand

Having a part-time job while studying in New Zealand brings many benefits. For instance, you can earn extra cash to cover your expenses and practice important skills at once.

Part-time work in New Zealand opens many opportunities to learn more about the country and its people. It’s also helpful in building confidence and improving communication skills.

If you want to work while studying in New Zealand, here’s a quick guide to part-time jobs in the country:

Working Part-Time in New Zealand

With your student visa, you can work in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week. During scheduled holidays, you’re allowed to work full-time.

If you’re a masters or doctorate student, you’re allowed to work full-time during the term and scheduled holidays. This translates to 40 hours a week. 

The minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD 18.90 per hour. Depending on your employer, you can get paid even higher. 

To start working part-time, you must obtain an IRD number from Inland Revenue, the tax department. If your wages are below NZD 14,000 per year, the tax rate is 10.5% of your earnings.

Having a part-time job allows you to develop skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork. It’s also a fantastic way to broaden your English skills and meet new people. 

How to Apply for a Part-Time Job

After checking your eligibility to work in New Zealand, applying for a part-time job is the next step. As long as you have all the necessary documents, you can immediately get started. 

Here are some of the common steps in applying for a part-time job in New Zealand:

1. Make Your CV – Before making your CV or updating an existing one, you must remember a couple of things. One, New Zealand employers prefer certain CV structures and formats. And two, it must be as recent as possible.

2. Search for Part-Time Jobs – New Zealand has a national organization that facilitates job postings called Student Job Search. You can start searching for job roles through this website.

3. Get Insights From Current Workers – One of the best ways to get more ideas about the work experience and environment is to ask around. Start by asking current workers about their thoughts on the workplace. This can help you adjust to your role and the environment.

4. Practice for the Interview – The interview is your one shot to make a great impression and share more about yourself. It’s necessary to practice how you will present yourself multiple times to make it worthwhile. You can answer sample interview questions or ask a friend to help you out.

Part-Time Jobs for International Students

Balancing work and studies is a tough task. But as long as you find a part-time job that allows you to grow and pays well, you can have a great time in your work experience.

 Here’s a list of part-time jobs you can apply for while studying:

• Call Center Agent
• Kitchenhand
• Seasonal Worker
• Retail Assistant
• Waiter/Waitress
• Bartender

Having a part-time job helps you get plenty of benefits including financial support and personal growth. Browse through our stories here at MSM Unify to learn more about living in New Zealand as an international student.