Work

  • Finding and starting a job

    • Job hunting

      Discover jobs that would suit you, find and apply for vacancies, and prepare for interviews.

    • Government jobs

      Search for jobs in government, sign up for job alerts and find out how to apply for government vacancies.

    • When you get a job offer

      Before you accept a job, you need to agree on your pay, hours and working conditions. You can apply for money to help pay the costs of starting a new job.

    • Trial periods

      A trial period is when an employer can dismiss you and you can’t raise a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal. Employers can use trial periods to find out if you're suitable for a job.

    • Joining KiwiSaver when you start work

      When you start a new job, you'll automatically be enrolled in KiwiSaver if you're eligible and not a member already. You can also join through your current employer or directly with a provider.

  • Public holidays and work

    • Working on public holidays

      If you work on a public holiday that falls on a day you’d normally work, you’ll be paid at least time and a half, and get a day in lieu (alternative holiday).

    • Public holidays and anniversary dates

      Dates for national public holidays and regional anniversary days.

    • Public holidays over Christmas and New Year

      There are 4 public holidays over Christmas and New Year.

    • Working over Easter

      Only Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. Easter Sunday is not a public holiday, and shops can choose to open if their local council lets them.

    • Days in lieu (alternative holidays)

      If you work on a public holiday and it's a day you usually work, you'll get a paid day off you can take later. This is usually called a day in lieu or an alternative holiday.

    • Shift workers and public holidays

      If your shift falls on a public holiday and you work you'll be paid time and a half. You'll also get a day in lieu (alternative holiday) if it's a day you usually work — even if you work only part of a shift.

    • Transferring a public holiday

      Anyone can ask their employer to transfer a public holiday to another day.

  • Annual leave

  • Sick leave

  • Parental leave

    • Taking parental leave

      If you’re eligible, you can take parental leave to care for a child. You may be able to get parental leave payments from the government.

    • Going back to work after having a baby

      Get financial help with childcare and other costs when you're back in work, and find out about the rules around returning to work and breaks for breastfeeding.

    • Not returning to your job from parental leave

      If you decide not to go back to your job, you can resign at any time while you’re on parental leave. You need to give the correct notice and it may affect any holiday pay you’re due.

  • Bereavement leave

    If someone close to you dies, you may be eligible for 3 days’ bereavement leave. You can get up to 3 days’ bereavement leave per death.

  • Domestic violence leave

    If you, or a child in your care, are affected by domestic violence, you can ask your employer for paid domestic violence leave and flexible working arrangements.

  • Self-employed or running a home business

    • Running an online business

      If you’ve set up a website for your business and you’re selling things using the site, you still need to follow consumer laws.

    • Selling on online shopping sites

      If you're just selling stuff on sites like Trade Me you're okay. If you're making money from regularly selling things online, this is treated like any other business income and you'll pay tax on it.

    • Using your home for business

      If you’re self-employed and run your business from home, you can claim the part of your house you use for business as an expense in your tax return.

    • How to start your own business

      Find out the basics of setting up a new business.

  • Leaving a job

    • Your last pay when you leave a job

      When you leave a job, you’re responsible for checking your final pay is taxed correctly. If it isn’t, you could get a bill from Inland Revenue at the end of the tax year.

    • Redundancy

      Your employer can only make you redundant if your position is no longer needed. They can’t make you redundant because of your performance, pregnancy or illness.

    • Your last pay when you’re made redundant

      When you’re made redundant from your job, you’re responsible for checking your final pay is taxed correctly. If it isn’t, you could get a bill from Inland Revenue at the end of the tax year.

    • Your last pay if you’re fired

      When you’re fired from a job, you’re responsible for checking your final pay is taxed correctly. If it isn’t, you could get a bill from Inland Revenue at the end of the tax year.

  • Retiring from work

    • Planning for retirement

      It pays to plan for your retirement as early as possible.

    • Your last pay when you retire

      When you leave your job because you’ve decided to retire, you’re responsible for checking that your final pay is taxed correctly. If it isn’t, you could get a bill from Inland Revenue at the end of the tax year.

    • Retirement age

      There is no official retirement age in New Zealand, but there are some exceptions.

    • Getting NZ Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension

      NZ Superannuation is a universal payment for NZ citizens and residents who are 65 or older. If you've served in New Zealand's Armed Forces you might be able to apply for a Veteran’s Pension instead.

    • SuperGold cards

      If you get NZ Superannuation or a Veteran's Pension, you'll get a SuperGold Card. Use it to get business discounts, free or discounted council services, and free off-peak travel on public transport.

    • Managing your money in retirement

      Most people get NZ Superannuation when they turn 65, but there are other sources of income you might use to support yourself.

    • KiwiSaver withdrawals after you turn 65

      You can withdraw all your savings when you turn 65, as long as you've been a KiwiSaver member for at least 5 years.

    • Retirement villages

      Moving to a retirement village is a big decision — it's important to get independent advice.

  • Workers’ rights

    • Minimum wage

      There are 3 types of minimum wage — adult, starting-out and training. The adult minimum wage is $18.90 an hour before tax if you’re 16 years or older.

    • Your options when you have a problem at work

      If you’ve got a problem at work talk to your boss directly. If you can’t solve it you can get help from both government and other organisations. Some of this help is free.

    • If you’re fired or unfairly dismissed

      If the process to fire you hasn’t been handled properly or the reason you’ve been fired isn’t valid, you can raise a personal grievance with your employer.

    • Age discrimination at work

      It's illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of your age, whether in the workplace or when you apply for a job.

  • Working after 65: ACC levies and entitlements

    If you work after you turn 65, you still pay ACC levies. You can claim for treatment of injuries, but if you have an accident and can't work, your entitlement to weekly compensation changes.

  • How to get an IRD number

    It’s important to get an IRD number as all your tax, entitlements (like student loan or Working for Families Tax Credits) and personal details are linked to this number.