Economy
New Zealand has a mixed economy that operates on free market principles. Its over US$142 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is ranked fifty-fifth in the world by the World Bank (2011). The Legatum Institute ranked New Zealand seventeenth out of 142 countries it studies on its Economy Sub-Index (2013).
If you are planning to work in New Zealand, the country has sizeable manufacturing and service sectors complementing a highly efficient agricultural sector. The agricultural, horticultural, forestry, mining and fishing industries play a fundamentally important role in New Zealand’s economy, particularly in the export sector and in employment. Tourism represents nearly 4 percent of New Zealand’s GDP and employs about 5 percent of all workers in the country.
In 2012, exports were valued at US$35 billion and imports US$37 billion. Australia is New Zealand’s largest trading partner, taking nearly 23 percent of New Zealand’s exports and supplying over 16 percent of imports. Australia also is New Zealand’s top destination for overseas investment and New Zealand’s largest source of foreign investment. China is New Zealand’s second largest trading partner, the United States third, Japan fourth and South Korea fifth.
For 2013, New Zealand’s GDP growth rate is forecast to be just under 3 percent. Unemployment will near 7 percent, but inflation will remain moderate, around 1.5 percent.
Finding a Job
With a 6.8 percent unemployment rate, it may take some time finding a suitable job in New Zealand. Your first stop should be the government’s Great Job Opportunities web page. It lists the top 11 job sectors that are in need of skilled workers from other countries, which include: healthcare, health technology, information technology, agriculture and forestry, construction, education, engineering, science, oil and gas, tourism and hospitality, finance and business.
Finding a job in New Zealand is a bit easier than many other countries since we share a common language. Job search strategies also are similar to the U.S. Industry associations are an excellent way to find out about international opportunities in your field. Also, check the New Zealand government resource Working in New Zealand.
Check the job listings in local newspapers as well as craigslist in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Be sure to send unsolicited applications to targeted employers and contact temporary work or staffing agencies online or onsite. Most importantly, check out local online forums and bulletin boards in the area you have chosen. Locals can be a great source of opportunities for work in New Zealand.
To get you started, here are a few websites that may help you in your job search:
New Zealand Job Search
NZ Government
Seek