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Attitude to work is more flexible in NZ WITHIN a relatively short time, New Zealand has developed a sophisticated, unrestrictive business environment that competes aggressively in world markets.It joins their predominantly agriculture-based economy which continues to deliver the bulk of our export earnings. The success of this has seen decreasing unemployment, a strengthening dollar, soaring stock values and business confidence at an all-time high. The dynamic growth in the business market has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of industries and given businesses the impetus to invest in new plant, machinery and staff. Some of the industries really surging ahead are in niche sectors of manufacturing, information and communications technology, tourism, film production, editing and special effects, bio-tech, wood processing, construction, call centres and retail trade. However, this unprecedented period of growth has resulted in a number of occupation categories reporting a desperate need for skilled, qualified personnel. And now, more than ever, New Zealand is looking overseas for migrants with the experience, skills and desire to make a difference. For instance in the Health and Education sectors there is a need for more teachers, nurses, doctors, radiologists etc. Work environment and finding a job One of the things you'll immediately be struck with is the flexible way New Zealanders carry out their jobs. They don't stand on ceremony, very rarely do they refer to people by their title, they dress a whole lot more informally than you're probably used to and regularly mix socially with work colleagues. There tends to be the attitude of "getting in and getting the job done". That means working hard and sometimes long hours to do it. But leisure time is valued too, and most people have sport, family activities and community involvements that are very important to them. Work-life balance In New Zealand, there's a real recognition of the importance of work-life balance. As a result, there are more non-standard employment options available, giving flexibility (in negotiation with employers) to choose the hours worked. Flexible work arrangements, part-time work, job sharing, home-based work and paid parental leave all help workers in New Zealand to achieve a balance between work and personal lives, so more quality time can be devoted to family. Tachnology savvy New Zealanders are 'technology savvy'. They are enthusiastic early adopters of a whole range of new technologies and are the most 'connected' people in the world based on internet usage. There is also one of the highest mobile phone penetration rates and no one uses cash cards as much as New Zealaners. Even though the country is geographically small, sophisticated telecommunications networks link New Zealand instantly to the world, making it easy to keep in touch. International airports offer daily services to the US, Europe, Asia and around the Pacific, and banking and financial systems are world class. Finding a job Even if you work in one of the areas where there is currently a shortage, leaving it until you arrive in New Zealand to find a job may still present a challenge. It's not uncommon for it to take up to six months for a migrant to find an appropriate position. The best course of action, not only for your peace of mind but also for your residence application, would be to get a confirmed job offer first from a New Zealand employer. But if you choose to go there without one, the metropolitan newspapers are full of executive and general employment vacancies, and recruitment agencies and on-line job sites are extremely useful as well. |
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