Which regions are stronger?
Stats NZ's June 2026 quarter figures showed the North Island unemployment rate at 6.0% and the South Island at 3.7%. Regional conditions change quarter to quarter, and some South Island centres and rural regions report labour shortages in specific roles. Check Stats NZ and MBIE regional reports, SEEK's regional job ad data and local employer chats before deciding.
Deciding whether to move
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Do I have a job offer (in writing) or a strong lead? | Moving without work uses up savings fast |
| What's the total moving cost? | Transport, bond and rent in advance, moving belongings, deposits for power and internet, time without pay |
| Is there somewhere affordable to live? | Rents in some areas (Queenstown, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington) are high; check on Trade Me Property and tenancy.govt.nz |
| What do I lose? | Family, school, health providers, support networks |
| Can I trial it? | Short-term contract, seasonal job or a stay with whānau first |
| What happens to my current rent or mortgage? | Notice periods, break fees and selling costs |
| What are the transport options? | Rural regions may need a car |
Financial help for relocating
- Transition to Work grant: can include relocating for work, living expenses until your first pay, tools or clothing, and childcare when starting. Up to $1,500 in total per 52 weeks; you generally need to be looking for or starting a job of 30+ hours a week (20+ for sole parents) and meet income/asset tests. Call 0800 559 009.
- Accommodation Supplement and Temporary Additional Support may help with housing costs once you've moved; apply early.
- Some employers help with relocation (flights, temporary accommodation, a contribution to moving costs). Ask when you receive an offer.
- Take your Work and Income details with you; you can transfer your case to a new office.
Remote work
- Remote roles attract applicants nationally and from overseas, so competition is high. Many remote jobs ask for experience already.
- Good fits: customer support, IT and software, bookkeeping, writing, marketing, virtual assistance, data work, tutoring.
- Use SEEK and LinkedIn filters for 'remote' or 'work from home', and look at NZ companies who hire nationally.
- Be careful with remote-job offers that find you: most 'easy work from home' task jobs are scams (see the job scams guide).
- If you work for an overseas company, check how you're paid (employee vs contractor), tax obligations in NZ and ACC cover.
- Set up a reliable internet connection and a quiet space. If you can't afford equipment, ask Work and Income about help.
Working overseas
- Australia is the most common destination. NZ citizens can generally live and work in Australia on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) on arrival, though access to some Australian benefits and citizenship pathways has limits. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for current rules.
- Other options: Working Holiday schemes (many for under-30s or 35s), skilled visas, and employer-sponsored roles. Check each country's immigration website.
- Before you go: check your KiwiSaver (contributions can be paused if you're overseas; ask your provider), student loan (repayments still apply overseas, so contact Inland Revenue), tax residency, health insurance and bank accounts.
- Compare real take-home pay: higher wages can be offset by rent and living costs.
- Tell Work and Income and Inland Revenue if you leave NZ. Benefits generally stop if you leave the country for more than a short period; check before you travel.
- Keep your NZ contacts: many people return, and a former employer can be a referee.
Sources
- Work and Income: Transition to Work grant (opens in a new tab)
- Stats NZ labour market (via 1News) (opens in a new tab)
- Tahatū Career Navigator: Looking for a job (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.