Employment information for newcomers

Where can I find a job?

Jobs can be found online at:

Work Otago (new window)
Otago Daily Times (new window) in the Wednesday and Saturday editions
Recruitment agencies in Dunedin (new window)
Online job seekers sites (new window)

How can I register as a job-seeker?

You can register as a job seeker with Work and Income (new window), the Government department responsible for helping people find employment phone (0800 559 009).

Work and Income also offers help for those people unable to find a job or unable to work; help (new window) for those newly employed or in a low-paying job, and assistance for working families (new window).

You can also register with Dunedin's recruitment agencies and there are a variety of job seekers sites which allow you to register and be sent appropriate jobs for your skill set.

What will I need to get work?

The following are highly desirable or necessary to get a job in Dunedin:

Excellent English language skills (both written and oral). English language courses for permanent residents are offered at the School of Languages at Otago Polytechnic (new window). Financial assistance is available for job seekers and refugees. The ESOL Home Tutor Service is also available through the Polytechnic.
Get your qualifications approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (new window). There are also private language schools in Dunedin offering individual tuition.
You must have positive, accurate references from your former employer.
You must have a valid work permit or residence permit, although in some situations, some employers will arrange such matters in order for you to work for them. For more information on obtaining a work permit, visit The New Zealand Immigration website (new window)

What are my employment rights?

Your employer is required to provide you with a written employment contract, either for you alone, or as part of a collective work agreement with fellow staff
The contract will cover conditions such as holiday and sick leave, hours of work and wages.
You are entitled to have your contract reviewed by a lawyer or union representative and this is recommended. You are entitled to negotiate the terms of that agreement; for example the amount of salary or annual leave.
Union membership (new window) is optional in New Zealand.
If you have concerns or questions, try Worksite (new window)

You may wish to consult a lawyer before signing a contract with your new employer, and you have that right. You also have the right to negotiate your terms of employment.

What are my employer's rights and responsibilities?

Information on a wide range of legal matters relating to you and your employer can be found at The Employment Relations Service website (new window)

How will I pay tax?

Most people pay their taxes as they earn their income. Employers deduct tax on salary and wages. Banks and other financial institutions deduct tax on interest as it is derived.

People who do not pay tax on all of their income as it is earned are required to file tax returns at the end of the tax year (31 March) to work out their tax liability.

Inland Revenue (new window) is the government department that collects taxes - it is popularly referred to as the IRD. The New Zealand tax year is from 1 April to 31 March. In most cases, Inland Revenue (new window) will send you all the material you need to file tax returns and make payment. For more information on paying tax in New Zealand, visit The Immigration New Zealand website.

Related Information

Get an IRD Number (new window)

Can I get help putting together a curriculum vitae?

Work and Income offers an overview of how to put together a curriculum vitae (CV). The information is available in PDF format and you can download it from Work and Income website (new window).

You may also be eligible for assistance from the Government's Career Services Department (new window), which can assist you to determine the best job for your skills, among other services.

What are the main industries in Dunedin?

The main industry sectors contributing to Dunedin's GDP are Property Services, Education, Business Services, Health Services and Food Manufacturing. Communication, Government Administration and Tourism all contribute over $100 million each to the City's overall GDP.

These are Dunedin's main employers (which employ more than 2000 people):