Employment Options

If you are studying a three-year course, you are allowed to work during the summer holidays and up to 15 hours per week during the academic year. You will need a "variation of conditions" to your student permit. This is issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service. A fee may be charged.

These rules do not apply if you are a postgraduate student or need to get work experience in order to fulfil course requirements.

Taxes

Everybody who works in New Zealand must pay tax on what they earn.

Labour Legislation

Strict legislation spells out your responsibilities and those of your employer. Employers must not take advantage of or mistreat employees. There is a minimum adult wage, and regulations for holiday pay and health and safety in the workplace. There is no disparity of sexes. Men and women receive equal pay for doing the same job.

Job Hunting

Student Job Search is a national organisation that helps students find work. It has offices on tertiary institution campuses. For student jobs, such as working in a restaurant or bar, or doing manual labour, you could expect to earn about NZ$9 - $15 per hour before tax.