Moving to Australia from New Zealand?
Get all information you need to make a successful and stress-free move across the ditch.
If you are a New Zealand citizen, you are legally able to work in Australia. You may need to apply for a work visa if you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen.
Hunting for jobs in Australia is very similar to looking for a job in New Zealand. The majority of jobs are advertised online, mostly by recruitment companies but also by individual employers.
On this page you will find the helpful information below:
In the past, it was quite hard to land a job in Australia from New Zealand, but since Covid-19, it has become more common for New Zealanders to get employed by an Australian company while still living in NZ.
You need to have a thorough CV and be realistic about your move to Australia.
So get to know Seek.com.au and regularly check back to view the latest listings in your industry.
You can gain a lot of knowledge from job listing websites, e.g. the size of your industry, opportunities, current wages, and the process of how to apply. Searching will give you a realistic view of the current Australian job market and can give you a lot of hope for what your future may look like.
Depending on your industry, it can be worth searching Google Australia companies in your industry and approaching them directly. New Zealanders have a great reputation in Australia and around the world as being hard workers. Combine that with the fact that we can’t fall back on government support; we are known as being very reliable.
A significant shortage of skilled labour across Australia is negatively impacting production, services, and supply chains. While the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem, it has been an issue since the beginning of the pandemic and will continue to be one when the virus’s effects wane.
Some industries experiencing major shortages at the moment are hospitality, the health sector, engineers, trades, technicians, truck drivers, and digital. Australia has always relied upon skilled migrant workers, e.g., skilled migrants, international students, and backpackers, who haven’t been able to get into Australia due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The skilled worker shortage in Australia is likely to worsen before it gets better. In many of the industries affected, it takes, on average, three to four years to qualify, and that is before developing proficiency. You can read more on the skill shortage in Australia here.
As a result, I’ve heard from many more New Zealanders who have already secured jobs from New Zealand before moving to Australia.
This leaves a lot of opportunities for New Zealanders looking at moving to Australia!
If you want to know about your tax obligations in Australia, you should read our Australian Tax – what you need to know page. On this page, you can find out the current Australian tax rates and how to get a TFN.
You need to apply for a TFN number after you’ve arrived in Australia. You are not able to apply from New Zealand. Find out how to get a TFN here.
Don’t get caught out arriving in Australia without the documentation/paperwork you need. It will cause you a whole lot of stress, time and worry!
Especially when it comes to the competitive Australian job market. Be prepared and get a better-paid job in Australia.
Read more in my documentation needed when moving to Australia post.
These are the top Australian job listing websites:
For general information on employment in Australia, career advice, resume templates, salary surveys and more, visit http://www.employmentguide.com.au.
When it comes to moving overseas and finding work, many things will determine your success, but we think the greatest factor is preparation. Read the full post here.
Australian recruiters are astounded at how many mistakes job seekers make with their resumes. Here are the key things to avoid. Read the full post here.
Registering with an Australian recruitment agency is extremely worthwhile, especially if they specialise in your industry. They will help you find a new job and can even find you a job while you are still in New Zealand.
I recommend you search Google for recruitment agencies in Australia that specialise in your industry. Whether it be:
The below posts might interest you:
If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below, and I’ll research the answer for you.
If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go!
Hi… I’m JJ Smith.
I’m the creator and editor of Moving to Australia and have been for 15 years! I know everything there is to know about New Zealanders moving their families and life to Australia. Either from first hand experiences and research or through the questions from visitors to this website… and I’m here to help!
I love helping people via Moving to Australia.
Providing the answers to questions we all ask when deciding whether to make the move from New Zealand to Australia. Even giving individual specific advice where needed.
I have learned a lot over the last 15 years from personal experience and through interacting with visitors. This is my job, making sure the information here is comprehensive and up to date.
If you would like to help me, you can use one of my referral partners.
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Claire
March 18, 2013 at 2:40 pmHi there,
I am thinking about moving to Darwin or Perth either at the end of this year or for early next year. I am a primary school teacher and have tried to do some research (and then got confused) about whether or not my NZ registration is recognised in Australia particularly the Northern Territory or Western Australia, do you know if I can or do I need to do some up-skilling courses?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Claire
JJ Smith
March 25, 2013 at 11:56 pmHi Claire,
Thank you for your comment.
Most states and territories in Australia (except New South Wales) have a trans-Tasman mutual recognition agreement with New Zealand, meaning the teacher is able to apply for registration with the state’s representative body. More information can be found at the individual states teacher registration board website. Here is the link for Northern Territory & Western Australia:
– http://www.trb.nt.gov.au/forms/form-b/mutual-recognition-principle
– http://www.trb.wa.gov.au/registration/application-forms/mutual-recognition1/
Good luck.
Zoe
January 14, 2013 at 11:13 amhi there , my partner and i and our 3 children are moving to Australia in april this year and i was wondering what are the steps you have to take when getting a job can you apply from n.z? and do i have to live in ozzy for 3months to be able to apply for a house ??
JJ Smith
January 14, 2013 at 11:14 amHi Zoe,
Thank you for your comment.
You can apply for a job from NZ and there are a number of companies that can help you with this. I recommend going to the OZ Job Expo in March (https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/jobs/oz-jobs-expo.html) and see who can help you there.
However, you can also contact recruitment companies in Australia with a current CV and see what they have to say.
You can also apply for accommodation from NZ, but it would be easier once in Australia. It can depend greatly on where you find a job, so it might pay to get this first. You can find more information on rentals on https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz/Australia-real-estate/buying-renting-a-house-in-Australia.
Good luck.
Kind Regards,
MTA Team
Vanessa Natusch
October 8, 2012 at 1:25 pmHi,i am looking to move it Brsibane and i am looking for jobs in advertsing/medi a, what sites would recommend to search for that location?
Thanks
JJ Smith
October 10, 2012 at 8:35 amHi Vanessa,
Thank you for your comment.
Because of the industry you are looking for work in, I recommend trying all the standard recruitment/job listing sites, but also contact the below:
Zinc Recruitment – http://www.zincrecruitment.com.au
Glenda Stenner Recruitment Pty Ltd – http://www.glendastenner.com/
MAARS – http://www.maars.com.au/
Good luck.
Thanks,
MTA Team
Bob
October 4, 2012 at 7:53 amAre their any restrictions to finding a job being bankrupt in NZ? i have put in a request to move to Aus and if successful, i would like to find a job.
JJ Smith
October 4, 2012 at 2:31 pmHi Bob,
Thank you for your comment.
I have done some research, as I did not know much about bankruptcy, and have discovered that you are able to find a job in Australia, like NZ.
However, there are some industries that you cannot be employed in. Please see below:
http://www.bankruptcyadvice.com.au/BANKRUPTCY.html
Will bankruptcy affect my employment?
The Bankruptcy Act does not restrict employment BUT typically a bankrupt will not be employed in certain industries such as the Police Force or as a security guard. A bankrupt cannot hold certain licenses, such as a liquor license, tax agents license, real estate (principal) license, builders license, finance brokering license etc. A bankrupt cannot be a director of a company without approval of the Court.
The best way to get a feel for the job market in Australia, for your circumstances, would be to call a recruitment company that you have had previous experience in or for the field you would like to move into. They will be able to give you further advice.
Good luck and please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Kind Regards,
MTA Team
Angela
September 28, 2012 at 10:02 amHi I have a bachelour of applied science degree and currently work in local Government and was wanting to know what recruitment agency suits me..
JJ Smith
September 28, 2012 at 2:33 pmHi Angela,
Thank you for your comment.
I do recommend the APS jobs website: http://www.apsjobs.gov.au/. This website is your gateway to working in the Australian Public Service (APS).
APS jobs will help you discover the flexible and diverse career paths the public service has to offer by linking you to vacancies in the APS, the Australian Parliamentary Service and many other Australian Government agencies. From entry level to leadership roles across a wide range of profession, new positions are advertised on APS jobs every day.
Good luck and please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Kind Regards,
MTA Team
Mandy
September 26, 2012 at 7:30 amHi, great website with heaps of really useful information.
My husband, 4 kids and I are planning to move to Perth early next year for more opportunities for us all, better quality of life, better weather etc. Which recruitment company would be best for my husband to register with to get into a mining or mining related role?
JJ Smith
September 27, 2012 at 10:08 amHi Mandy,
Thank you for your comment on http://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz.
Please find below a few companies that you should check out. The top one is NZ based so would be worth talking to:
– skilledmigrantjobs.com/
– westjobs.com.au/jobseeker/mining-jobs-no-experience.html
– http://www.infomine.com/careers/
– http://www.dtworkforce.com/
– http://www.rockpeople.com/
– http://www.miningpeople.com.au/about.aspx
If you have any feedback after going through the process of finding a mining job, please email me back so I can share it with our visitors and help them too.
Please note: that the OZ Jobs Expo is coming up in Auckland on the 17th and 18th of November at the ASB showgrounds. If you are in Auckland I recommend checking it out, as there are companies there wanting to hire.
Good luck and let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Kind Regards,
MTA Team
Regina Borrell
September 22, 2012 at 12:05 pmHi,
My husband and I are interested in moving to Melbourne Australia. Wanting a better and enjoyable lifestyle for ourselves and 3 younger children aged 7,3,19months – ultimately we both want better paid jobs. We currently have family staying in Mt Waverly and we absolutely love the area. My husband is a Banking consultant with Westpac NZ on a salary approx 58k with 7 years banking experience and myself a Sales/ Account Manager for OfficeMax on a 55k base with 7 years sales experience. Is there an employment agency in the area that we can register with? or any advice you can offer that would be useful to us. Anything regarding expected salary for similar jobs, agencies, working areas, traveling distances, rent around mt wavely etc.
Look forward to your response
JJ Smith
September 19, 2012 at 4:25 amGood morning Regina,
Thank you for your comment on Movingtoaustralia.co.nz.
There are a number of recruitment companies in the Mt Waverly area. I recommend you go through their websites and see which few best suits your needs and appeal to you. Then contact them directly in hope of registering with them. They will be able to give you realistic wages expectations and job availability. With your experience I do not see you having any problems getting a job and earning more money in Australia.
Robert Half International (banking) – http://www.roberthalf.com.au
Manpower – http://www.manpower.com.au
Scope Employment Futures Mt Waverley – http://www.scopevic.org.au
Excel Recruitment – http://www.excels.com.au
Max Recruitment – http://www.maxr.com.au
BND Recruitment – http://www.bndrecruitment.com.au
Kandil Consulting Group – http://www.kandil.com.au
Workforce Extensions – http://www.workforcexs.com.au
Alliance Recruitment Mt Waverley – http://www.alliancerecruitment.com.au
PeopleCo. – http://www.peopleco.com.au
Regarding renting in Mt Waverly, I recommend looking for prices etc on realestate.com. au (http://www.realestate.com. au/rent/in-mount+waverley,+vic/list-1?source=location-search). You can then contact the listing companies regarding renting a home/apartment from NZ. There is always the option of getting a short term rental and make the long term decision when in Australia, as you normally have to apply and them sign up for a year (six months if lucky).
You should also read the Wikipedia page on Mt Waverly as this lists schools, transport, geography, sport and more in the area:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Waverley,_Victoria
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with and how you get on.
Kind Regards,
MTA Team
Jerome
September 20, 2012 at 6:27 pmHey guys,
Just a general enquiry. I’m thinking of making the move to Australia. To better my Life style and maybe start a new career. I’m currently studying to become a personal trainer. Would you by any chance have any info in maybe getting into the gym industry or being a personal within Melbourne.
JJ Smith
September 25, 2012 at 4:28 amGood morning Jerome,
Thank you for your comment on https://www.movingtoaustralia.co.nz.
I have done some research into personal training jobs in Melbourne Australia and have found the below sites which will help you:
http://www.sportspeople.com.au – sport specialised recruitment company. I recommend contacting them direct as they will be able to give you a better idea of what your expectations should be.
http://www.seek.com.au – general listings for the sport and recreation industry, in Melbourne.
http://www.simplyhired.com.au – general listings for the sport and recreation industry, in Melbourne.
http://www.jobseeker.com.au – general listings for the sport and recreation industry, in Melbourne.
Good luck and I hope the above helps.
Kind Regards,
MTA Team
Cara
July 7, 2012 at 4:20 amHi, Im looking at moving to Australia. I have an assault charge and a DIC will this effect me moving? Also in regards to any debt owing in New Zealand ie: taxes or accounts sent to Baycorp will this be checked up on and would i be stopped from moving because of debt? I am getting a one way ticket to Melbourne and have been told they will check everything like this. Is s this correct? Will it not be worth me going? Cara
Caroline
July 5, 2012 at 9:12 amHi there
I am moving to Nerang , Gold Coast area with my bf. He is currently residing there at the moment. He has a NZ Security Licence however he is needing help with getting this transferred to a QLD security license. Could you assist with any useful options?
JJ Smith
July 9, 2012 at 9:16 amHi Caroline,
Thank you for your enquiry and sorry for the late reply.
I could not find the answer to your question online, so you will need to contact The Australian Security Industry Association Ltd (ASIAL) and ask them (http://www.asial.com.au/ContactUs).
Good luck.
Eduardo Jr
March 16, 2012 at 9:00 pmHi,
Me and my wife are planning to migrate to either NZ or AU depending on the results of my IELTS exam. In case I won’t pass all the modules but I will pass the overall band score of 7, I will decide to migrate to NZ.
My question is. If you are holding a permanent resident visa. Are we legally allowed to work in AU.
Appreciate your advise.
Best Regards,
Eduardo Jr.
Krystal
March 14, 2012 at 5:33 amMe and my partner are looking to re-locate although there is so much information we’re not sure where to start.
He is currently employed in the rigging industry and myself in customer service.
Is there any help out there to point us in the right direction to start?
JJ Smith
March 14, 2012 at 5:33 amHi Krystal,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Can you please give me some more information about what you and your partner are tying to archive with your move and I will be able to point you in the right direction.
For example, what is the most important thing you want to get out of your move, e.g. money, lifestyle, etc? Is there a particular state in Australia that interests you? Where do you live now and what do you like dislike about it?
I look forward to being of assistance.
Kris
November 9, 2009 at 11:19 pmHi there,
I am looking to re-locate to Brisbane, in the following areas, Richlands/Fores t Lake/Wacol, so it would be great if you could let me know what the names of the local papers so i can look up the classifieds.
Thank You
JJ Smith
November 16, 2009 at 10:19 amHi,
The best and easiest way to search the classifieds within all the local papers is through news.com.au or follow the above link.
This way you do not need to contact the local paper directly, as most of the local papers are published by Quest Community Newspapers.
Please let us know if you need further information and if the above info was helpful.
Rachel
October 30, 2009 at 1:42 pmHiya, i currently work for nz government in the tax department, but i have heard that in aus i would need to be a australian citizen to work for the ATO, is this correct? also someone mentioned i could possibly work in federal taxes?
JJ Smith
November 4, 2009 at 10:42 amHi Rachel,
I have searched the ATO’s website can not find an answer to your questions, or an email contact, so I recommend you call them directly on +61 2 6216 1111 or write them a letter (http://www.ato.gov.au/corporate/content.asp?doc=/content/49441.htm&mnu=36385&mfp=001/001).
Sorry that we cannot be of more assistance.
Good luck.
Sharn
October 29, 2009 at 8:14 amHi, just enquiring whats some names of recruitment agency’s in Australia? I’m looking at moving over from Auckland. Thanks
JJ Smith
October 29, 2009 at 9:29 amHi Sharn,
Thank you for your enquiry.
It does depend on what sort of job you are looking for and in what industry.
I have added to the content above some names of the recruitment agencies in Australia and their specialities.
For general information on employment in Australia, career advice, resume templates, salary surveys and more visit http://www.employmentguide.com.au.
Let us know if you need further information and if the above info was helpful.