Work
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Finding and starting a job
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Job hunting
Discover jobs that would suit you, find and apply for vacancies, and prepare for interviews.
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Government jobs
Search for jobs in government, sign up for job alerts and find out how to apply for government vacancies.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Apply 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.
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Public holidays and work
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Dates for public holidays and anniversary days
Dates when employees get national public holidays and regional anniversary days.
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Working on public holidays
Find out how you’ll be paid if you do or do not work on a public holiday and what your employment rights are as an employee.
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Public holidays over Christmas and New Year
There are 4 public holidays over Christmas and New Year.
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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.
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Days in lieu (alternative holidays)
If you work on a public holiday and it’s a day you usually work, you may get a paid day off you can take later. This is usually called an alternative holiday or a day in lieu.
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Shift workers and public holidays
You’ll be paid at least time and a half for the hours you work on a public holiday. You’ll also get a day in lieu (alternative holiday) if it’s a day you usually work.
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Transferring a public holiday
Anyone can ask their employer to transfer a public holiday to another day.
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Annual holidays
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How many annual holidays you get
All employees are entitled to at least 4 weeks’ paid annual holidays (annual leave) for each year they have worked for their employer.
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Taking annual holidays
In general, you can take annual holidays at any time that is agreed between you and your employer.
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How much you’ll be paid on annual holidays
Your annual holidays are paid at the rate of the greater of your ordinary weekly pay and average weekly earnings.
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Trading in annual holidays for cash
You can ask to swap up to 1 week of your annual holidays for cash each year.
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Taking unpaid leave
You can take unpaid leave if your employer agrees to it. The agreement should be recorded in writing.
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Parental leave
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Retiring from work
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Planning for retirement
It pays to plan for your retirement as early as possible.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Retirement villages
Moving to a retirement village is a big decision — it's important to get independent advice.
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Workers’ rights
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Minimum wage
Employees must be paid at least the minimum hourly wage rate for every hour worked.
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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.
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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.
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Discrimination at work
It’s against the law to be treated unfairly in the workplace or when you apply for a job.
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