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Jobs in Wellington and Wairarapa
Aotearoa New Zealand's capital city. Wellington (Whanganui-a-tara) remains the Head Office location for most international organisations, despite Auckland often employing more of the workforce.
High priority employment sectors are ICT, engineering, business and finance, health and construction.
Wellington is a city of tourists, students and public servants, and is also the gateway to the Kapitit Coast and to the Southern Wairarapa district.
International students enjoy the mix of high quality education and a cosmopolitan culture that promotes cafe dining and a focus on high quality entertainment.
With 10.7 per cent of New Zealand’s population in the year ending June 2018, the region provided 11.5 per cent of national employment and contributed 13 per cent of national GDP.
[Source: Statistics New Zealand data, 2018].
Wellington seasonal work
(c) Liquorland Toast
Looking for more general employment information?
Wellington residents enjoy high-quality cafes and cosmopolitan culture, so hospitality and entertainment are key industries for seasonal and casual work in urban areas.
In the satellite regions of Kapiti and Wairarapa vineyards, orchards and market gardens all provide casual and seasonal work opportunities.
Wellington seasonal work calendar.
| When | What | Jobs | Find jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov - Mar | Tourism Activity & Outdoor Guides | 500+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs |
| Nov - Mar | Hospitality Wellington | 5000+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs |
| Nov - Mar | Hospitality Wairarapa | 250 | Seek, TradeMe Jobs |
| Year Round | Accommodation Staff Wellington | 5000+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs |
| Year Round | Accommodation Staff Wairarapa | 200 | RestaurantNZ, Seek, TradeMe Jobs, BackpackerBoard |
| Mar - Jul | Olive picking and pressing | 500+ | Pick NZ, BackpackerBoard |
| Mar - Jul | Olive harvesting | 500+ | Pick NZ |
| Jun - Aug (also year round) | Vine Training/Pruning/Trimming | 500+ | Pick NZ |
| Jun - Aug (also year round) | Vine Harvest Worker | 750 | Pick NZ, BackpackerBoard |
| Aug - Oct | Dairy – Calf rearing | 500+ | NZ Farm source |
| Aug - Apr | Milk harvesting | 500+ | NZ Farm source , GoDairy |
| Year Round | Meatworks – processing | 250 | Meat Your Career |
Job vacancies in Wellington
Trade Me Jobs - lists a large number of jobs in Wellington.
Seek - New Zealand's largest general job website.
Work and Income - jobs available in Wellington for Job Seekers.
careers.govt.nz - lists recruitment companies in New Zealand.
Govt.nz- lists jobs available in government.
Newspapers
Most local newspapers publish jobs available in the area in the Situations Vacant column.
Job search help
Job Search Connect (Business Central) - Supports newcomer job searchers into sustainable employment that matches their field of expertise or interest.
Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) - a government department helping to find employment for residents or those with a valid work permit.
Multicultural Learning and Support Services (MCLaSS) - offers employment and language services for refugees and migrants whose first language is not English.
Business networking organisations
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency - the economic development agency for the Wellington region.
Chambers of Commerce support local businesses by offering advice, consultancy, training and networking opportunities:
Wellington Employers' Chamber of Commerce
Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce
Kapiti Coast Chamber of Commerce
Venus Network- a business network for women
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 Wellington matches volunteers looking for volunteering roles with organisations looking for specific skills, and offers free to low-cost training for volunteers.