All you need to know about working in Aotearoa

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AWF are part of New Zealand’s leading recruitment Group, so if you're looking to work around NZ, you’ve come to the right place!

​About us

We are a recruitment agency. Our job is to help our clients find people like you to work for them. If you work with us, you'll be an employee of AWF, not our clients. Our clients pay us directly, so you won't have any deductions from your pay.

With 21 branches across NZ, AWF is your one-stop-shop to find the job you need, in the place you're at, to help pay for your travels around our amazing country.

Our jobs

We help job seekers find employment in a variety of roles, including labouring positions, drivers, fruit pickers, gardeners, mail sorters, and production workers, often requiring little or no experience. We also recruit for skilled positions such as plumbers, carpenters, welders, and qualified drivers. Our placements can last for a day or run for months and they are flexible to fit around your commitments. You can even hop around the country doing difference jobs through AWF – what better way to see the country?

Apply Now to register with a local AWF branch, or you can Search Jobs.

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How to get paid in NZ

Before starting work in New Zealand, there are a few important things you need to do. You will need a valid work visa, a New Zealand bank account, and an IRD number to ensure you pay the right amount of tax. Not having an IRD number means you will be taxed at a higher rate.

To open a bank account, you can choose from one of the four main banks in New Zealand - ANZ, BNZ, Westpac NZ, and ASB. Each has a national presence and user-friendly online banking apps. You can apply online between 90-180 days before you arrive, but you must hold a valid visa before doing so.

Once you arrive in New Zealand, you can activate your account at a local branch. You can deposit money before arrival, but you will need to complete the process in person to withdraw money.

You can apply for an IRD number before you arrive as long as you have opened a NZ bank account. Visit ird.govt.nz for more information.

You'll also need:

• Photo identification (ID), such as a passport

• Proof of address, for example, a letter from your utilities company

• Tax identification number from your country or territory

• Proof of reason for applying for IRD number, for example, you are working here

• A New Zealand bank account

Get a NZ SIM card

To stay connected with family and friends back home, schedule future travel activities, stay in touch with your newfound friends and fellow travellers, or to arrange job interviews, you'll need to get connected with a NZ sim card!

Some of the major phone providers include Vodafone, 2degrees, Spark, and Skinny.

Mobile Phone Plan Terminology

• Prepay: This is a type of phone plan that has no contract. You pay as much or as little in advance towards your phone bill. For more info on Prepay, read 5 Reasons to Choose a Prepay Plan.

• Plan: It is a general term for the offer that you will be using to use your phone. It is often monthly but can also be weekly.

• Pay as you go: Paying per text, call, data usage at a flat rate. It is the opposite of a “plan”.

Tips for surviving a long-haul flight

No matter where you're coming from in the world, we are on the edge of any map you’ll find, which is a big part of what makes this place so special. It also means spending a decent amount of time on an aeroplane to get here!

Here are some survival tips to get you here in tip top shape:

• Stay hydrated. Water is your best friend on a long flight and helps combat fatigue, dry skin and headaches.

  Wear layers and bring a scarf. Layering up is the smartest way to be prepared for arctic aircon or warm airports. A scarf can also act as a handy pillow for an impromptu power nap.

• Choose your seat. Prefer isle or window? Get in there first and secure your preference.

• Download your entertainment. Make sure anything you want to watch or listen to on your devices is accessible without internet connection.

• Power your devices. This tip speaks for itself - easy access to power may not be available.

• Bring a shower in a bag. Mini toothpaste, facial wipes and a mini moisturiser and deodorant in your hand luggage can make you feel like a million dollars.

• Make yourself comfortable. Avoid tight fitting clothes, shirts or stiff jeans for a long flight.