WORK
One of my first paid jobs was at a call centre, doing telephone fundraising for a charity. It was part-time, a few nights a week and I think I got the job because I already knew someone that was working there and could speak with a New Zealand accent. I got asked to “anglicise” my name whenever I introduced myself to the person on the other line and I ended up doing it for ease. The job interview process can be a little bit scary, and it can take a long time to find a job and the work environment may not always be nice to be in. People will have prejudices and stereotypes of you if you’re not a white New Zealander. If you’re not enjoying a job, you can keep looking for others in the meantime, but it can be really hard to find stable and well-paid job if you’re a new migrant. - Fang Fang
What is the minimum wage in New Zealand?
The current minimum wage in New Zealand, as of 2016, is $15.25 per hour for people who are over 16 years old.
Young people may be paid $12.20 per hour if:
The minimum wage changes every year, so you can check what the minimum wage is here: employment.govt.nz/er/pay/minimumwage/
Is it legal to be paid less than the minimum wage?
Generally no. The exceptions are if you are under 16 years of age or in the case of some disabilities. However, your basic work rights still apply.
Employees under 16 years old must also attend school and you are not allowed to work between 10pm and 6am.
For people with disabilities, if an employer intends to pay you less than the minimum wage then they are required to discuss the job and the possible wage rates with you. A representative or advocate is allowed to be present during these discussions. If the offered wage is below minimum wage your employer will need to contact a Labour Inspector to assess the offer and finalise. They cannot pay you less than the minimum wage without your written consent.
If you are a member of a union then the wage in the minimum wage exemption permit will be followed, not the rate in the collective agreement.
Are there any extra work restrictions?
Yes, if you are a child of a refugee claimant then no work rights are granted if you are under 16 years old. This includes being self-employed. You must also have written permission from your school, parents or legal guardians if you are under 18 years old and want to work. You can work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the term, or full-time during holiday periods between school years.
What are unions and should I join one?
Unions are organisations that advocate for employment and labour rights. It is beneficial to join one as they bargain for better working conditions for people in the union and help with work-related issues. They do this through collective agreements. In New Zealand, employees can choose to join a union and union members are entitled to take one day’s leave each year to attend a meeting. Members pay a fee to join a union to cover costs for legal fees.
When you join a workplace, the employer must let you know if there is a pre-existing collective agreement. Extra terms can be negotiated individually but it cannot be less favourable than the collective agreement.
If you want to join a union, you can contact one near you that is relevant to your work through: www.union.org.nz
What is a 90 day trial period?
This is a part of your employment contract where an employer can dismiss an employee within the first 90 days of your employment with that particular employer without providing a reason.
What are my minimum working rights in New Zealand? What rights are negotiable?
The current minimum wage in New Zealand, as of 2016, is $15.25 per hour for people who are over 16 years old.
Young people may be paid $12.20 per hour if:
- It is a part of your industry training or
- You are 18 or 19 and have been paid a benefit for six months or more and have not completed six months of continuous employment with one employer or
- You are 16 or 17 and have not completed six months of continuous employment.
The minimum wage changes every year, so you can check what the minimum wage is here: employment.govt.nz/er/pay/minimumwage/
Is it legal to be paid less than the minimum wage?
Generally no. The exceptions are if you are under 16 years of age or in the case of some disabilities. However, your basic work rights still apply.
Employees under 16 years old must also attend school and you are not allowed to work between 10pm and 6am.
For people with disabilities, if an employer intends to pay you less than the minimum wage then they are required to discuss the job and the possible wage rates with you. A representative or advocate is allowed to be present during these discussions. If the offered wage is below minimum wage your employer will need to contact a Labour Inspector to assess the offer and finalise. They cannot pay you less than the minimum wage without your written consent.
If you are a member of a union then the wage in the minimum wage exemption permit will be followed, not the rate in the collective agreement.
Are there any extra work restrictions?
Yes, if you are a child of a refugee claimant then no work rights are granted if you are under 16 years old. This includes being self-employed. You must also have written permission from your school, parents or legal guardians if you are under 18 years old and want to work. You can work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the term, or full-time during holiday periods between school years.
What are unions and should I join one?
Unions are organisations that advocate for employment and labour rights. It is beneficial to join one as they bargain for better working conditions for people in the union and help with work-related issues. They do this through collective agreements. In New Zealand, employees can choose to join a union and union members are entitled to take one day’s leave each year to attend a meeting. Members pay a fee to join a union to cover costs for legal fees.
When you join a workplace, the employer must let you know if there is a pre-existing collective agreement. Extra terms can be negotiated individually but it cannot be less favourable than the collective agreement.
If you want to join a union, you can contact one near you that is relevant to your work through: www.union.org.nz
What is a 90 day trial period?
This is a part of your employment contract where an employer can dismiss an employee within the first 90 days of your employment with that particular employer without providing a reason.
What are my minimum working rights in New Zealand? What rights are negotiable?
MINIMUM RIGHTS
|
NEGOTIABLE RIGHTS
|
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is when you are treated differently to another person in a similar situation, in a way which negatively affects you. In many situations the person discriminating against you may not be aware of their discriminatory behaviours, however, this does not mean that they should not or will not be held responsible.
New Zealand employment laws state that employers are not allowed to discriminate based on age, race or colour, ethnicity or national origins, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religious or ethical belief, marital status, employment status, political opinion and involvement with a union.
Help! I feel discriminated against in my workplace, what can I do?
Try and keep records of the incidents. Talk about them with someone you trust, it may be a good idea to talk with someone outside of your work environment.
You can choose to resolve the issues through:
For more information about your rights at work see: employment.govt.nz
Quick tips on writing a cover letter
A cover letter will often be the first thing a potential employer reads from you, so keep things professional, confident and short.
Use full sentences, break up your cover letter into paragraphs and make sure it is tidy. Most employers will want the cover letters to be typed.
Ideally, keep it to one page and make sure to state why you’re interested in the job, why you would be a good fit for their company/organisation and highlight what skills, qualifications and experience you have to offer. A cover letter isn’t necessary for some job applications, but it will help you to stand out if you write one well.
Quick tips on writing a curriculum vitae (CV)
What do I need to prepare for a job interview?
Getting an interview means the employer is already interested in your skills based on your CV. Here are some general tips on making an impression during an interview:
If you are a permanent resident, citizen or have a work visa under the domestic violence category, you are eligible for Work and Income support. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) is responsible for providing a range of services relating to work and income to people in New Zealand.
You can apply for financial support through the Work and Income website through online applications: www.workandincome.govt.nz
Alternatively, you can apply using the self-service kiosks at a Work and Income Service Centre. For most of the payments, you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident unless otherwise stated. Feel free to call WINZ with any questions you may have on this number: 0800 559 009
Discrimination is when you are treated differently to another person in a similar situation, in a way which negatively affects you. In many situations the person discriminating against you may not be aware of their discriminatory behaviours, however, this does not mean that they should not or will not be held responsible.
New Zealand employment laws state that employers are not allowed to discriminate based on age, race or colour, ethnicity or national origins, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religious or ethical belief, marital status, employment status, political opinion and involvement with a union.
Help! I feel discriminated against in my workplace, what can I do?
Try and keep records of the incidents. Talk about them with someone you trust, it may be a good idea to talk with someone outside of your work environment.
You can choose to resolve the issues through:
- Speaking to the person discriminating against you in person, in a letter, through a union or representative.
- Reporting the incidents to a discrimination contact person (normally this is a designated role within the company), union representative, lawyer or the manager at your workplace
- Reporting the incidents to the Human Rights Commission
- Speaking to the police, a Community Law centre or advocacy group
For more information about your rights at work see: employment.govt.nz
Quick tips on writing a cover letter
A cover letter will often be the first thing a potential employer reads from you, so keep things professional, confident and short.
Use full sentences, break up your cover letter into paragraphs and make sure it is tidy. Most employers will want the cover letters to be typed.
Ideally, keep it to one page and make sure to state why you’re interested in the job, why you would be a good fit for their company/organisation and highlight what skills, qualifications and experience you have to offer. A cover letter isn’t necessary for some job applications, but it will help you to stand out if you write one well.
Quick tips on writing a curriculum vitae (CV)
- Have a template for your CV which you can adjust.
- Always adjust your CV to suit the job you’re applying for. Some jobs will require certain skills or experience, so make sure to emphasise them in your CV
- Proofread. Also try and get a friend to proofread it too.
- Keep your CV short, 2-3 pages is a good length.
- Include your contact details. If you don’t have an email address then create one. Make sure your answer phone message is appropriate.
- Do not include the details of your references. Instead write ‘References available upon request.’ That way you can tailor your references. This also gives you the opportunity to familiarise your referees with the details of the jobs you've applied for, so that they can hopefully give you a stronger reference.
What do I need to prepare for a job interview?
Getting an interview means the employer is already interested in your skills based on your CV. Here are some general tips on making an impression during an interview:
- Before the interview, know the employer. Research what the organisation or company is about and what their purpose is. Understand the job description, what is involved in the work and think about how you can contribute.
- Think about possible questions they might ask and how you might answer them.
If you are a permanent resident, citizen or have a work visa under the domestic violence category, you are eligible for Work and Income support. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) is responsible for providing a range of services relating to work and income to people in New Zealand.
You can apply for financial support through the Work and Income website through online applications: www.workandincome.govt.nz
Alternatively, you can apply using the self-service kiosks at a Work and Income Service Centre. For most of the payments, you must be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident unless otherwise stated. Feel free to call WINZ with any questions you may have on this number: 0800 559 009