First 30 days checklist
Nine steps, in the order that tends to matter. Do one at a time and tick it off when it is done.
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Days 1–2: Breathe & Secure Your Paperwork
Why it matters: Work and Income (WINZ), mortgage lenders, and income protection insurers often require written proof of your finish date and final pay breakdown.
Tip: Also request an itemised final payslip showing unused annual leave, alternative holidays (lieu days), and any redundancy compensation.
Why it matters: Once IT access is cut off, retrieving payslips for a WINZ application or contact details for a reference can take weeks.
Tip: Ask 2–3 trusted managers or colleagues for their personal email/phone number and permission to list them as referees on LinkedIn.
Why it matters: Payroll errors on final pay are very common in New Zealand, particularly when calculating public holidays that fall within your untaken annual leave period.
Tip: If your unused annual leave would extend past an upcoming NZ public holiday (like Matariki, Labour Day, or Christmas), you must be paid for that public holiday too!
Week 1: Financial Safety Net & WINZ
Why it matters: WINZ stand-down periods (usually 1–2 weeks) are calculated from when you apply and your employment ends. Delaying your application delays your first payment.
Tip: A redundancy payment doesn't disqualify you from Jobseeker Support, but it counts towards the income used to set your 1–2 week stand-down. Holiday pay and pay in lieu of notice delay when payments can start.
Why it matters: Lowering your estimated annual income in myIR can immediately increase your weekly Working for Families payments to help bridge the gap.
Tip: If you have a Student Loan, your repayment obligations automatically stop when you have no salary/wages, or you can apply for repayment hardship.
Why it matters: Under NZ's Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA), lenders must consider hardship applications fairly if you contact them before falling heavily into arrears.
Tip: Power and broadband companies in NZ also have dedicated hardship teams that can offer payment plans and prevent disconnection.
Weeks 2–4: Refresh Your Toolkit & Routine
Why it matters: Recruiters and employers regularly search LinkedIn and SEEK profiles to find candidates, so a current profile can bring opportunities to you.
Tip: Use the free CV guides on Tahatū (tahatu.govt.nz), or ask Work and Income about its Direct Career Service, if you haven't written a CV in years.
Why it matters: Temp or contract assignments can bring in cash within days and frequently turn into permanent roles without ever being advertised publicly.
Tip: If you are on Jobseeker Support, ask WINZ about 'Transition to Work' grants — they can help pay for interview clothes, boots, tools, or fuel to get to interviews!
Ongoing: Protect Your Hauora (Wellbeing) & Upskill
Why it matters: Job loss is one of life's highest-stress events. Protecting your sleep, mental health, and confidence makes a massive difference in interviews.
Tip: Free Text/Call 1737 anytime if you feel overwhelmed. You can also access free short courses or even WINZ-supported Flexi-wage self-employment grants.