What to Know Before Job Hunting in New Zealand
- Demand & Skill ShortagesNew Zealand has identified multiple sectors with worker shortages, including trades (electricians, builders), healthcare (nurses, aged care), tech / IT, some agricultural and horticultural roles. Recognizing which occupations are in demand (such as those on the “Green List” or through Immigration NZ notifications) can help you target jobs more likely to offer visa sponsorship.
- Visa & Work Permit RequirementsMany jobs require you to have a valid visa or work permit. For skilled roles and occupations in shortage, this is often easier if the employer is accredited. Doing your homework on eligibility, employer sponsorship, required documents (certificates, qualification assessments, sometimes English proficiency) is essential.
- Salary Expectations & Cost of LivingSalaries vary significantly by region (Auckland tends to pay more), role, experience, and whether the position is in shortage or not. Living costs (housing, transport, utilities) are also relatively high in major cities, so when assessing job offers, consider not just nominal salary but net take-home, benefits, location, commute etc.
- How to Find RolesJob sites like SEEK, WorkingInNewZealand, “accredited employer” listings, sector-specific boards, and government Green List occupational listings are good sources. Networking, using recruiters, and reaching out to employers about sponsorship can help. Applying from abroad sometimes works, particularly if you demonstrate the right credentials or specialization.
How Dogpay Can Help You Throughout the Job & Income Process
When you’re navigating job offers, visa requirements, relocation, and income flows—there are many financial friction points. Dogpay can ease or optimize many of those:
- Payment of Document & Visa Fees UpfrontPreparing certificates, transcripts, skill assessments, English tests, visa application fees etc. often involves payments to agencies or government services (sometimes overseas) and can include translation / certification costs. With Dogpay you can send those payments more transparently, with known exchange rates and lower hidden fees.
- Relocation & Initial Setup CostsWhen you accept a job and move, you might need to pay moving/shipping, first month’s rent + deposit, furniture or utility setup. These often require large or cross-border payments. Dogpay helps ensure that money goes through cleanly, that you know how much ends up being delivered, reducing surprises due to FX, bank fees, intermediary costs.
- Receiving Salary / Side Income from AbroadIf part of your income or any bonus is paid from a foreign country (remote work, contracts abroad, etc.), or you’re switching currencies, Dogpay’s multi-currency features can help reduce exchange losses and improve speed / predictability of those transfers.
- Expense Management & Tax / ProofsFor employment contracts, reimbursements, relocation grants, or even tax filings, having clean payment records, receipts, and proof matters. Dogpay keeps records in a transparent, exportable way so you can support claims or file documentation needed by immigration, employers, or tax authorities.
- Receiving Payments / Savings RemotelyAfter working some time, you may need to send or receive money internationally (back home, or for family support, or investments). Using Dogpay helps reduce cost of remittances, gives you more control of timing and rates, which helps with budgeting and avoiding cost surprises.
Practical Steps
- Identify your target job types (from shortage sectors) and check whether they require accreditation or sponsors.
- Prepare all required qualifications / assessments early. Get any translations / certifications done ahead.
- Research cost of living in your target city vs salary offers.
- When offered a job, ask about whether relocation or visa assistance is included.
- Use Dogpay (or similar) for initial outlays (visa fees / deposit rent) and for any income from abroad to avoid leaks or delays.
