Employment

You can:

• register with Dunedin job recruitment agencies (link to external website, new window) that can match your skills with businesses looking for workers.
• register with job websites that will send you information about jobs that match your skills that you could apply for. These sites include:
  • Seek (link to external website, new window)
  • Trade Me (link to external website, new window)
  • Student Job Search (link to external website, new window)
• look in the local newspaper, the Otago Daily Times (link to external website, new window), on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

To get a job in Dunedin you must have:

• a valid work permit or residence permit, although in some situations employers may arrange these for you so that you can work for them. For more information on obtaining a work permit, visit the New Zealand Immigration website (link to external website, new window).
• accurate, positive references from your former employer/s. This is a requirement from most employers to help them decide if they will employ you or not.

Your chances of getting a job improve if you have:

• English language skills (both written and spoken)
  • English language courses for permanent residents are offered at the School of Languages at Otago Polytechnic (link to external website, new window). Financial assistance is available for job seekers and former refugees.
  • The ESOL Home Tutor Service is available through Otago Polytechnic. (ESOL stands for English to Speakers of Other Languages).
  • Private language schools in Dunedin also offer individual tuition.
• your existing qualifications examined and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) (link to external website, new window).
• an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV). A CV is a document that lists your past education, qualifications and work experience. It has copies of any qualification certificates and can include examples of your skills. Employers expect you to show them your CV when you apply for a job.

Yes, you can. For advice on how to make a curriculum vitae see the Work and Income (link to external website, new window) guide (a down-loadable PDF).

You may be able to get help from Careers NZ (link to external website, new window), the Government's careers advisory service, to decide what jobs match your skills, among other services.

• Your employer must 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 describe what you are expected to do in your job. The number of annual leave and sick days you can take, your hours of work and what wages you will earn, plus other aspects of the job.
• It is recommended to have your employment contract checked by a lawyer or union representative. You can negotiate the terms of that agreement; for example, the amount of salary or annual leave.
  • Union membership (link to external website, new window) is optional in New Zealand.

You can find out about your employer’s legal rights, and your own as an employee at the Employment New Zealand website (link to external website, new window).

Most people pay their taxes as they earn their income. Employers deduct tax on salary and wages and pass it on to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD ‑ the Government department that collects taxes). Banks and other financial institutions deduct tax on interest, to pass on to the IRD.

People who do not pay tax on all their income as it is earned must fill out tax return forms at the end of each tax year (31 March) to work out if they need to pay tax.

Usually, the IRD will send you all the information you need to file tax returns and make payment.

For more information about paying tax in New Zealand, visit the IRD website (link to external website, new window).

The New Zealand tax year is from 1 April to 31 March.

The main industries in Dunedin are property services, education, business services, health services and food manufacturing. Communication, Government administration and tourism also employ many people in the city. Technology relating to information, agriculture, medicine and gaming is a growing industry in Dunedin. There many other industries as well.

The Dunedin organisations that employ the most people are:

• University of Otago (link to external website, new window)
• WellSouth careers (link to external website, new window)
• Dunedin City Council (link to external website, new window).

Yes. Dunedin and the Otago region have a range of skill shortages, especially in skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, builders and engineers. For the most recent information, see the Green List (link to external website, new window).

Yes, there are several organisations that can assist you. For free seminars on job search and interview skills, see the Careers NZ website (link to external website, new window). Work and Income (link to external website, new window) also offers support with preparing your CV and cover letters, job interviews and associated work costs, among other services.

You can register as a job-seeker with Work and Income (link to external website, new window), the Government department responsible for helping people find employment.

Work and Income also offers help for:

• people unable to find a job or unable to work.
• newly employed people or those in a low-paying job.
• working families.

This help can include benefits (i.e., money to meet essential needs).

Youth Employment Success (YES) (link to external website, new window) is working towards a Dunedin that actively engages and supports all young people. YES helps young people find work.

If you have a problem in your work place such as bullying, racism, sexism, not being paid or other issues, you can receive help from:

• Community Law Otago (link to external website, new window), which can provide initial legal information and advice, and well as education about your legal rights and responsibilities.
• Community Law Aotearoa (link to external website, new window), which has written a range of draft letters and template legal applications to help you communicate and enforce your legal rights.