Work for Travel in New Zealand

By Matt Kaiel

New Zealand boasts nearly as many work opportunities as sheep. During summer (December-February) and winter (June-August) jobs are plentiful, but hardly anyone will hire you without a work visa. It is the first thing employers asked for when I inquired about a job.

To make the arrangements through a program costs from $700-$1,000. But unless you are staying longer than four months, I wouldn’t recommend getting a work visa. The costs nearly outweigh any money earned.

For longer stays, my recommendation is Camp Counselors USA (CCUSA) because of their slightly lower cost. If you use their program for a year’s stay, the cost is $721, which includes all the fees for one year and insurance for four months. BUNAC’s program totals $954 and includes all the fees and insurance for one year.

CCUSA (www.ccusa.com) has work experience programs all over the world. Call them with questions at 415-339-2729. Program requirements: age: 18-30; fees: $401; insurance: $240 (4-month, renewable policy); funds: $2,400. Plus, proof of roundtrip airfare.

BUNAC (www.bunac.org) offers an easily navigated web site and helpful support both in the U.S. and in New Zealand. Contact BUNAC at 1-800-GO-BUNAC. Program requirements: age: 18-30; application fee: $475; insurance: mandatory.; funds: $2,000 and proof of roundtrip airfare.

A work visa done directly through the government requires a sponsoring company. To get the government’s approval, the employer has to prove that it cannot find a suitable Kiwi for the job. The time and hassle involved makes most employers unwilling to hire you.

Before choosing a work visa program or going direct through the government check out www.immigration.govt.nz or call the New Zealand Immigration Office at: 011-64-9-914-4100 for a list of occupations that the country needs.

For people in these fields the application fee is waived and the company doesn’t have to prove to the government that it couldn’t find a suitable Kiwi for the job.