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Jobs in Whangarei & Northland
Northland's job market is small compared to other regions, but the lifestyle opportunities make it an attractive proposition for many new arrivals prepared to persevere with job searching.
The Northland region is a small to medium sized economy with a prominent primary sector, a strong manufacturing base, and seasonal work in both farming and tourism/hospitality.
With an estimated 3.7 per cent of the national population (year ended June 2018), Northland provided 2.7 per cent of national employment, and 2.6 per cent of the national GDP.
Northland seasonal work
(C) Dive Tutukaka
Looking for general employment information?
New Zealand's northernmost region has stunning beaches, warm weather, and rich history.
There are plenty of seasonal and casual work opportunities, in tourism and hospitality, or year-round in agriculture.
Discover job opportunities and a laid back lifestyle with endless outdoor activities.
Tourism and hospitality jobs are most prevalent in Northland during the holidays, while there are plenty of seasonal agriculture opportunities in the Avocado, Dairy, Kiwifruit, Citrus, and Kumara (sweet potato) industries throughout the rest of the year.
Northland Seasonal Work Calendar
| WHEN | WHAT | STAFF NEEDED | FIND JOBS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar - Jul | Olive harvesting | 500+ | Pick NZ |
| Mar - Aug | Kiwifruit harvest + packing | 1,000+ | Pick NZ, Kiwifruit Jobs NZ |
| May - Oct | Macadamia harvesting | 500+ | Pick NZ |
| Jun - Jan | Lemon picking and packing | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| Jun - Sep | Forestry - sawmilling | 550 | Forestry Careers |
| Jun - Oct | Grapefruit picking and packing | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| Jun - Oct | Orange picking and harvesting | 1,000+ | Pick NZ |
| Aug - Oct | Dairy / Beef farm assistant | 2,100 | NZ Farm source |
| Aug - Apr | Milk harvesting | 2,000 | NZ Farm source, Go Dairy |
| Sep - Apr | Avocado picking and packing | TBA | Pick NZ |
| Nov - Mar | Hospitality Staff (F&B, Baristas, Chefs, Vineyards etc.) | 250+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs, |
| Nov - Mar | Tourism Activity & Outdoor Guides | 100+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs, |
| Nov - Mar | Tourism Water Sports & Boat Crew | 100+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs, |
| Year Round | Accommodation Staff | 250+ | Seek, TradeMe Jobs, Backpacker board |
| Year Round | Oyster Farming | 100 | Trademe Jobs |
| Year Round | Mussel Farming | 100 | Trademe Jobs |
| Year Round | Vegetable growing | 400 | Pick NZ |
| Year Round | Meatworks – processing | 500 | Meat Your Career |
Other Seasonal work seeker sites
Backpacker Board - the largest online portal devoted to backpacking in New Zealand. Live job listings and special deals for backpackers, as well as plenty of travel information.
Jora - Jora is a search engine for jobs, with a local presence in 25 countries. They work to give you every relevant job opportunity for your search.
Adzuna - another job collation site . Adzuna is based in Sydney but is global covering 19 countries including New Zealand.
Jooble - is a job search website used daily in 69 countries - including New Zealand.
General job vacancies in Northland
Trade Me Jobs - lists a large number of jobs in Northland.
Seek - New Zealand's largest general job website.
New Kiwis - an online programme connecting skilled job seekers (local and global) with New Zealand employers.
Work and Income - jobs available in Northland 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
New Kiwis Jobseeker online course - a thorough online course you can complete for free in your own time. New Kiwis also offer other job seeker support.
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.
Multicultural Whangarei - a not-for-profit community-based organisation supporting migrants and newcomers to Whangarei with their settlement process, providing a range of services including job assistance for migrants.
Work and Income - a government department helping to find employment for residents or those with a valid work permit.
English for job seekers | English Language Partners - an intensive, four-week course for confident users of English. Here, you will learn how to prepare your CV, approach employers, and practice for job interviews.
Business networking organisations
Northland Inc - the economic development agency for the Northland Regional council.
Northland Chamber of Commerce - supports local businesses by offering advice, consultancy, training and networking opportunities.
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 Northland matches volunteers looking for volunteering roles with organisations looking for specific skills, and offers free to low-cost training for volunteers.