An insiders guide to working in New Zealand

Lucy spills the beans on her working holiday adventure in New Zealand on BUNAC's Work New Zealand programme. She's shares her experience and tips for working in the adventure capital of the world!

Once I arrived in Auckland I found a job in just over a week of actively looking. The position that I found was in recruitment,  I was responsible for placing people into temporary office roles around New Zealand. This position gave me a brilliant insight into the New Zealand work ethic and employment, which is why I would definitely recommend the Work New Zealand programme to anyone wanting to work abroad! It's such a different work culture to the UK that you just have to experience it for yourself.

One of the many differences I found was that New Zealand has an undeniably active and outdoor lifestyle and Kiwis really value their work-life balance. It's definitely not 'all work and no play', New Zealanders work hard and get the job done so at the end of the day they can head to the beach or their weekly netball or touch rugby match. It's impossible to not get involved in this energetic way of life!

Kiwis don't let the grass grow under their feet, everyone makes the most of their evenings and weekends and you’re never sat in on the sofa watching TV! The Kiwi laid-back attitude is also something I noticed and loved; although they work extremely hard, life still seems to go at a lot slower pace and is less stressful and hectic. I’ve returned to the UK with a much more relaxed attitude to life!

Like the sound of the Kiwi's approach to work? We can assist you with everything to kick-start your working holiday in New Zealand, check out what's included in our programme and start your application - you won't regret it!

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