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Jobs in Hamilton & Waikato
The Waikato region is a medium-sized economy with a strong primary production and agri-manufacturing focus.
Although the economy is based on dairy, meat and other foods along with forestry, agritech and geothermal energy, the biggest employers are the health and education, business and finance, and wholesale and retail trade sectors. The aviation industry is also growing.
With about 9.6 per cent of the national population (in 2018), Waikato provided 8.6 per cent of national employment and 8.4 per cent to national GDP.
[Source: Statistics New Zealand data, 2018].
Waikato Seasonal Work
Looking for more general employment information?
The Waikato is the historic heart of the country’s dairy industry, which is the main economic driver in the region.
However, ideal farming conditions for a wide variety of potential crops has encouraged agricultural investment of all kinds.
From asparagus to hops (for craft beer brewing) and a tea plantation which needs specialist pickers, and the largest annual agricultural show in the Southern hemisphere, the Waikato region has a seasonal job for every one.
There is always demand for seasonal and casual roles in tourism, hospitality, horticulture, forestry, and meat processing.
Waikato Seasonal Work Calendar
| When | What | Jobs | Find Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb - April | Apple harvest & packing | 2,000+ | Pick NZ |
| Feb - April | Apples - thinning | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| Year round (peak April - June) | Potato harvesting | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| June - October | Grapefruit picking and packing | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| July - December | Asparagus harvesting | 250+ | NZ Farm source |
| August - October | Dairy / Beef farm assistant | 10,000+ | NZ Farm source |
| August - April | Milk harvesting | 5,000+ | Pick NZ |
| September - April | Avocado picking and packing | TBA | Seek, TradeMe Jobs Backpacker board |
| October - March | Tourism Summer Activity Staff | 1,000 | Seek, TradeMe Jobs Backpacker board |
| October - March | Tourism Boat Crew | 250+ | Pick NZ |
| November - March | Onion harvesting | 500 | Pick NZ |
| December - March | Blueberry picking and packing | 1,000 | Seek, TradeMe Jobs Backpacker board |
| Year Round | Hospitality Staff (F&B, Baristas, Chefs etc) | 5,000+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs Backpacker board |
| Year Round | Causal Event Staff | 2,500+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs Backpacker board |
| Year Round | Accommodation Staff (Hotels etc) | 5,000+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs Backpacker board |
| Year Round | Meatworks – processing | 2,400 | Meat Your Career |
| Year Round | Mussel Farming | 500+ | Seek , TradeMe Jobs |
| Year Round | Oyster Farming | 500+ | Seek , TradeMe Jobs |
Job vacancies in Hamilton & Waikato
Trade Me Jobs - lists a large number of jobs in the Waikato
Seek - New Zealand's largest general job website
Work and Income - jobs available in the Waikato for Job Seekers
careers.govt.nz - lists recruitment companies in New Zealand
Newspapers
Most local newspapers publish jobs available in the area in the Situations Vacant column.
Job search help
Tips for recent migrants | careers.govt.nz - a free service to assist with your job search and prepare you for employment in the local labour market.
Work and Income - a government department helping to find employment for residents or those with a valid work permit.
Business networking organisations
South Waikato Economic Development group - supports local businesses in the South Waikato area
Hamilton Central Business Association - supports property and business owners in Hamilton central business district (CBD)
Waikato Chinese Business Association - offers support to Chinese business owners in the Waikato region
Ethnic Business Network - a hub of resources, knowledge, training, opportunities and networking for ethnic businesses and entrepreneurs
Venus Network - a business network for women
Local Chambers of Commerce support businesses by offering advice, consultancy, training and networking opportunities. See:
Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce
Pacific Business Trust - Assists Pacific Island business owners take advantage of opportunities available. Helps with financial advice, networks, etc.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain work experience, meet new people, learn about your community, and improve your English skills.
Volunteering Waikato matches volunteers looking for volunteering roles with organisations looking for specific skills, and offers free to low-cost training for volunteers.
Volunteer support organisations
Young Workers' Resource Centre - a non-profit organisation funded by the Waikato community to bring free support and advice to youth in the workforce
Dress for success - a not-for-profit organisation that works to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing support and clothing for interviews