Working in New Zealand

The State sector needs people with the skills, knowledge and experiences to provide excellent services to New Zealand. Qualified, talented candidates who meet New Zealands' immigration requirements can discover the possibilities of living and working in New Zealand.

To work in New Zealand, you must:

  • be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Residence Permit holder, or
  • be an Australian citizen or an Australian resident who holds a current Australian Resident Return Visa, or
  • have lawful authority to work in New Zealand, which includes a Work Permit with conditions that allow the holder to work in the position applied for, or
  • have a variation of condition to a Visitor or Student Permit that allows such work.

People in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Scheme Permit are not permitted to take up permanent employment.

For appointment of non-New Zealand citizens to a permanent government agency position advertised on this website, the applicant must hold a New Zealand Residence Permit.

For appointment to a fixed term position advertised on this website, the applicant is required to hold a current Work Permit appropriate to the position.

See the Immigration New Zealand website for information for jobseekers outside New Zealand about employment in New Zealand, including how to obtain a Work Permit.