Highest-Paying Jobs in New Zealand for Indians [Updated List]

According to Statista (2023), the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in New Zealand has increased for the fourth consecutive year. This highlights the country's year-on-year increasing productivity. Not only this, it is projected to reach NZ$ 54,338 by 2028, further making the country a hub of opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to tap into this thriving economy and learn the art of finding one of the best jobs in New Zealand.

Per a recent study by Remote, an international employment and hiring company, New Zealand is the #1 country across the globe for work-life balance. This is due to many factors, including the country’s relaxed and friendly cultural & business environment, its growing and diverse economy, relatively short working hours, generous statutory annual leave allowance (32 days) and a Government-funded universal health care system. In fact, per Statistics New Zealand (2023), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6% (in the June 2023 quarter), compared with 3.4% last quarter.

These facts about the country make it a compelling option for Indians to look for jobs in New Zealand. Wondering how to make a mark as a fresher? Learn the best ways to unlock high-paying New Zealand jobs for Indian freshers 

New Zealand Universities with High Graduate Employability

New Zealand stands as a sought-after hub for global scholars pursuing higher education. Here is a glimpse into the leading universities in the country renowned for helping scholars secure New Zealand jobs for Indian freshers.

The University of Auckland: 

Sitting atop the New Zealand university hierarchy, the University of Auckland has a prestigious status as a Kiwi institution. It is #1 on the list of the Best Global Universities in New Zealand, as per U.S. News & World Report. Alongside, it has bagged a place in the top 100 universities producing the most employable graduates (per QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). This showcases the university’s contribution to developing top talents. 

Auckland University of Technology (AUT): 

The university embraces contemporary education and offers experiential learning. AUT graduates are the top choice for employers, with 94% of available graduates in paid employment within nine months of graduation.

University of Otago: 

Another prominent institute – the University of Otago, claims the second spot among universities in New Zealand (according to U.S.World News & Report). It has a diverse international faculty, reflecting its commitment to a globalized educational environment. 

Victoria University of Wellington:

 Amid the vibrant capital city, Victoria University of Wellington shines as one of the top 500 Best Global Universities (per U.S. News & World Report 2023). This institution stands out for its impressive & impactful research culture and for fostering graduate employability.

Work Visas in New Zealand

Knowing about the best New Zealand job opportunities for Indians won’t suffice. You should know about the various work visas in New Zealand. 

Here are the option for some of the diverse visa options in New Zealand for Indian students:

Post-Study Work Visa: 

This visa enables students to work in any domain and for any employer, providing a flexible pathway for career exploration. It even allows partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to join and work alongside them. It enables one to stay and work here for up to three years, depending on their studies.

Essential Skills Work Visa: 

It caters to individuals coming for specialized work, partnering with a resident while seeking employment, or hailing from nations with special work schemes. You can stay up to three years, depending on the pay rate of the job you are offered.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: 

Catering to individuals aged 55 or below who are employed now or have received a job offer from an approved business and can work in New Zealand and earn six points for their talents; they may apply for this visa. It allows the visa holder’s partner and dependent children aged 24 and under to accompany them. 

Salaries for Students in New Zealand

New Zealand offers multiple part-time job prospects, catering to the financial needs of international students while they pursue their studies. Before we uncover student salaries for jobs in New Zealand, let’s understand the minimum and average weekly pay given to them: 

Minimum Wage: 

The minimum wage in New Zealand is currently set at NZ$18 per hour. This figure establishes the baseline earning potential for students on an hourly basis.

Average Weekly Pay: 

Students enrolled in a research master's or doctoral degree (PhD) awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution enjoy the freedom to work without any limitations on their hours. In New Zealand, the average weekly earnings for students amount to NZ$726. 

Note: This figure varies depending on the nature of the job and the required skill set and, therefore, may not be consistent across all roles.

Popular Part-time Jobs for Indian Students: 

Indian students in New Zealand have multiple part-time work options to supplement their studies. Some of them are mentioned below: 

Source: Glassdoor

As a student in New Zealand, you will need an IRD number if you are earning income from any source, including part-time work, interest on your bank balance or investments, or a student loan. You can apply for an IRD number online or by completing a paper application.

The lowest personal tax rate in New Zealand is 10.5% for income up to $14,000. 

High Demand Jobs & Top Recruiters in New Zealand

Within the context of New Zealand's dynamic job market, several sectors stand as beacons of opportunity, seeking to harness essential skills from across the globe. Some of these are:

Source: Payscale

Websites with Job Listings in New Zealand

Amidst the quest for jobs in New Zealand, an array of websites stand ready to facilitate this exploration:

Seek: 

Distinguished as a premier employment marketplace Seek offers an expansive array of New Zealand jobs for Indians spanning various industries by enabling searches grounded in keywords, location, and categories. 

Trade Me: 

An equally influential platform, Trade Me catalogs various New Zealand job opportunities across different sectors. It tailors its services to the expertise of users and experience.

Indeed: 

A global job search engine, Indeed extends its services to the New Zealand market, collecting listings from various sources.

Adecco: 

A leading hiring platform connecting talented people with great jobs, allowing them to search for jobs by region. 

Fusion: 

A recruitment agency focusing on finding the right people for the right jobs across various industries. They also provide free consulting services to its job seekers. 

Beyond Recruitment: 

A famous recruitment firm that goes beyond the traditional role of matching people with jobs. They build careers and partnerships with their clients and candidates, helping them to achieve their goals.

Eligibility for Part-Time Work with Studies

In the realm of jobs in New Zealand for Indians, the eligibility criteria for part-time employment hinge on specific conditions:

• You should be a tertiary student.
• Applicable for some English language students.
• Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 who have school and parent permission.
• Students who are completing practical experience for their study are also eligible for part-time work opportunities. 

Students meticulously review their visa conditions to ascertain their eligibility for part-time work. Within the academic year, a cap of 20 hours per week applies, transitioning to full-time availability during designated breaks.

Whereas PhD or doctorate students at New Zealand academic institutions engage in both part-time and full-time employment without encountering any visa-related restrictions. 

Read More:

• Intakes in New Zealand
• Student Visa Process for New Zealand
• MBA in New Zealand
• New Zealand Scholarships for Indian Students