Why choose
to work here?
Fantastic opportunities
We are also preparing for a future that we know will provide new and diverse career pathways that will be more stimulating and high-value.
Whether you’re looking to work while studying or planning the next stage in your career, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in our regions.
Local skill shortages
In Bay of Plenty and the Waikato there is demand in:
- Agriculture and forestry
- Education
- Health and social services
- Recreation, hospitality and tourism
- Trades.
Work opportunites in our regions
The Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions are growing, and we want you to be part of this too. Check out the established and growing industries in our regions.

Hamilton
The Waikato region has one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most diverse economies. There is a demand for engineering, agriculture, management and building skills to meet forecast industry growth.

Rotorua
Rotorua’s diverse economy of small to medium-sized businesses makes many career opportunities available – from front-of-house, labourers, and tradespeople to highly specialised technicians, scientists, academics, and professionals.

Tauranga
Tauranga is the fastest growing city in Aotearoa New Zealand – by 2038, there will be 25,000 new jobs! Careers will be more diverse, stimulating, and of high value across industries like agri-tech, logistics and more.
Gaining residency
The Immigration New Zealand website explains which skills are in demand in the country and in particular regions. If you’re offered a job that’s on one of the lists (and you’ve got the qualifications and skills) it may be easier for you to get a work or residence visa.
You can find out more on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Student work visa
There may also be a need for you to look into visas as part of your planning. Information about visas to potentially visit, work, study, live, or invest in Aotearoa New Zealand is freely available from Immigration New Zealand’s website. All visa applications can be made online.
Current processing times for visitor, student, work and residence visas are available from Immigration New Zealand. You can also check your application status online.
Applications for Student visas can be made here. Application checklists are also available. Whether or not you may have work rights on a student visa depends on your specific individual circumstances.
Other visa options
There are a range of other visa types that may form part of your journey. You can explore your visa options or take action if your situation changes. If you have acceptable qualifications that you completed in Aotearoa New Zealand, a Post Study Work Visa may be an option.
You and your family can seek independent immigration advice at any stage of your journey.
Working while you study
You don’t have to wait to graduate to start working in Aotearoa New Zealand. There are employment opportunities for students to earn money while you study.