Working in New Zealand

Work lawfully, and build a career from the first job. A job here is more than income — it is experience, skills, contacts and a real feel for how New Zealand workplaces run. For employers, we also connect suitable people from New Zealand, Vietnam and further afield.

Auckland, where most job opportunities are concentrated

What are you looking for?

Five kinds of opportunity

We share information, connect you into our employer network, show you how to search, prepare your application and interview skills, and help you aim at work that fits your ability and your longer plan.

01

Part-time work for students

Study, and build experience at the same time

Part-time work for students

Many international students want part-time work for the income and the experience of a New Zealand workplace. But work rights depend on the conditions written on each individual visa.

How many hours

From 3 November 2025, eligible students may work up to 25 hours a week during term, up from 20, and may work full-time during scheduled breaks where the visa allows. Do not assume every student has this right — check the conditions on your own eVisa before accepting a job.

Common jobs

Restaurants and cafés Hotels and tourism Supermarkets and retail Warehousing and logistics Customer service Office roles Roles in your own field

How we help

  • Sharing suitable job leads
  • Introductions to employers in our network
  • Showing you how to look
  • Preparing your application
  • Interview preparation
  • Explaining what to watch for when you start
  • How to check the work rights on your visa

How to look for work here

There is more than one way in

What matters most is knowing where to look, and using several channels at once.

Job boards

The main New Zealand platforms, plus specialist boards for particular fields.

Company career pages

Many companies advertise only on their own site. For an employer you actually want to work for, watching their page and applying directly opens doors.

Networks and referrals

In New Zealand, professional relationships and referrals carry real weight. We have a network across the Vietnamese community, businesses and partners here.

LinkedIn

Especially useful for professional, management and office roles. We help you build the profile, find the right employers, reach the hiring manager and approach them.

Employment support services

Information is available from New Zealand employment support organisations, including government sources.

Local press and community

Some roles surface through newspapers, local community groups or word of mouth from the business itself.

Auckland from Mount Eden, where most of the jobs are

Work rights

Lawful from day one

Not every visa carries the same work rights. Before you accept a job, check:

  • Your current visa type
  • The work conditions written on your eVisa
  • How many hours you may work
  • What kind of work is allowed
  • The period during which you may work
  • Any other conditions attached

Once you start

  • Have a proper employment agreement
  • Understand the pay and the conditions
  • Declare your income correctly
  • Get an IRD number where needed
  • Keep your payslips and employment records
  • Stay within your visa conditions

Working lawfully protects both the worker and the career that follows.

Visa information on this website is general information and may change with current policy. If your visa eligibility needs to be assessed against your personal circumstances, we will connect you with a licensed immigration adviser.

Career direction

Your first job is not your last one

For newcomers, the right first job builds familiarity, English, local experience and contacts, and prepares the move into professional work.

1 First job
2 Experience
3 Skills
4 Professional role
5 Career growth
6 Field of study
7 Related work
8 Experience
9 Opportunities after graduation

How we support your job search

No promise of a job — more chances of finding the right one

1

Finding openings

Tracking and sharing roles that suit your file.

2

Making introductions

Introducing candidates to employers in our network when something fits.

3

Showing you how

Helping you understand how job-hunting works here and how to use each channel well.

4

Coaching

CV, LinkedIn, cover letter, interview and workplace skills.

5

Direction

Placing the job you take now inside your field of study and your longer plan.

6

International reach

Helping New Zealand employers reach candidates in Vietnam and elsewhere.

Ask about work

Looking for work, or looking for people?

Ask about work

Looking for work, or looking for people? If you are job-hunting: where you are now, whether you are studying or have graduated, your field and experience, whether you want part-time or professional work, and which area. If you are hiring: the business, the role, how many, the key requirements and the location.

Pick your country code, then the number without the leading 0.

Your information is used to contact you and provide support based on the needs you share. If an introduction to a relevant specialist or partner is needed, your information will be shared in line with our Privacy Policy and your consent. Privacy policy

We have your details

We will be in touch within one or two working days.

What our role is

Pathway Adventures does not promise a job, a salary or a visa outcome. We provide information, training, direction and introductions so that job seekers can approach the New Zealand labour market actively and lawfully.