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 a timeframe that employers can use to find out if you are suitable for a job. An employer can dismiss you and you cannot raise a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal if the trial period was valid.

    • 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.

    • Applying for a work visa

      If you're planning to work in New Zealand and you’re not a citizen or permanent resident of NZ or Australia, you’ll need a visa that lets you work.

  • Public holidays and work

  • Annual holidays

  • Sick leave

  • Parental leave

    • Taking parental leave

      As well as maternity and paternity leave, there are other leave options for eligible parents and carers. You may be able to get parental leave payments from the government.

    • Going back to work after your parental leave ends

      Find information about returning to work, breaks for breastfeeding, and how to get help with childcare and other costs when you’re back in work.

    • Not returning to your job from parental leave

      You can decide to leave your job and resign at any time while you’re on parental leave. You just need to give the correct notice and it may affect any holiday pay you’re due.

  • Bereavement leave

  • Family violence leave

  • Self-employed or running a 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.

    • If your job is made redundant

      Your employer can only make you redundant if your position is no longer needed — they cannot make you redundant because of other reasons. See what your options are for legal help, paying tax and help with other situations related to redundancy.

    • Your last pay if you’re made redundant

      If you’re made redundant from your job, check that your final pay is taxed correctly. If it’s not, you could get a bill from Inland Revenue at the end of the tax year.

    • Your last pay if you’re fired

      If you’re fired from a job, check that your final pay is taxed correctly. If it’s not, 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’re retiring, check that your final pay is taxed correctly. If it’s not, 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. The common age to retire is 65 when NZ Super and some other pension payments start.

    • 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 different types of minimum wage rates depending on if you are an adult worker, a starting-out worker or a trainee.

    • When you have a problem at work

      If you have a problem at work talk to your boss directly. If you cannot solve it you can get help from government and other organisations. Some of this help is free.

    • If you’re fired or unfairly dismissed

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

    • Discrimination at work

      It’s against the law to be treated unfairly in the workplace or when you apply for a job.

  • Working after 65: ACC levies and entitlements

  • How to get an IRD number