If you’re planning a gap year or working holiday in New Zealand, there are plenty of options to choose from. But which one is best?
According to Charlotte Pridham, Client Relationship Director at Hudson, New Zealand is undergoing a tight labour market. This is pushing up salaries across the country.
1. Fruit Picker
With its ideal work-life balance and high salaries, New Zealand is an attractive destination for job seekers worldwide. However, with the increasing competition for high-paid jobs in New Zealand, it’s important to choose wisely.
A fruit picker is a person who works outdoors and harvests ripe fruits from plants or trees. Some work on the ground while others climb to reach fruit growing in trees.
Using a fruit picker, you remove ripe fruit from trees and pack it in containers for transport. This is an excellent career choice for people who enjoy working outdoors and having a steady income.
There are several different types of fruit pickers, including manual and robotic ones. A flying autonomous robot can be a good option for picking fruit, according to Israeli startup Tevel Aerobotics Technologies. It surveys the field and picks ripe strawberries without bruising or damaging them.
2. Farm Hand
Whether you’re looking to do your gap year in New Zealand or are a working holidaymaker already in the country, there’s nothing quite like the experience of being a farm hand. As a farm hand, you help farmers with their crops, livestock, and general maintenance.
You don’t need any formal education to become a farm hand, but you do need good physical stamina for manual labor in all types of weather. You also need to be able to work independently and with teams.
3. WWOOFing
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in New Zealand’s culture, then being a WWOOFer is your best bet. These work exchange sites connect travellers with locals who need help with their projects, usually in exchange for room and board.
The concept began in 1971, when a woman named Sue Coppard decided to offer weekend opportunities for volunteers on organic farms. She soon realised that she could use this model to promote the organic movement.
Since then, WWOOFing has expanded to 210 countries worldwide. It is now a way to experience the world’s countryside in a unique and sustainable way, and is a great opportunity for travellers to make new friends and learn about a country’s culture while doing some hard work.
4. Hotel Staff
One of the most rewarding jobs to do in new zealand is to be a hotel staff. Not only do you get to see the country from a different angle, but you also get to make a difference and help people in a meaningful way.
It’s a job that requires good communication skills and a great personality – but if you can do it, it’s a perfect job to do in new zealand!
Hotels need a lot of support staff, including electricians, plumbers and carpet fitters. These are the people who ensure that everything is running smoothly, and guests have a comfortable stay.
5. Au Pair
If you love taking care of kids and have a genuine interest in traveling abroad, becoming an au pair is a great option. You’ll live with a carefully vetted host family and help them with their childcare needs while receiving a weekly stipend and board and lodging free of charge.
Many agencies and websites help connect aspiring au pairs with families in their chosen country through an online profile. This profile often includes a candidate’s professional background, skills, and lifestyle preferences. It also provides a means of contacting the au pair directly.