NEW ZEALND-EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

In New Zealand, both government and private sectors enjoy good working environment. The amount of pay one receives for a job depends upon your employment agreement, the country where you are employed, your experience and qualifications and your employer’s employment policies. You are entitled to at least the minimum wage as set by law if you are 16 years or older. Employment agreements cannot offer a wage less than a minimum rate, except for apprentices or employers holding special permits may be exempt from the minimum wage level.

New Zealand residents and citizens will need to apply to the Inland Revenue Department for an IRD number, as they are required to pay tax on all income received, whether from New Zealand or overseas.
The Accident Compensation Corporation manages work place injuries which are covered by the Government’s accident insurance scheme.
According to New Zealand’s occupational and safety laws, all employers require to provide a safe working environment. Likewise, employees must also follow safety procedures.
All employers must offer their workers either an individual or collective Employment agreement written in plain language and should include:

- Minimum wages for employees aged 18 or older
- Minimum wage for employees aged 16-17
- The same rate for the same job for male and female employees
- Three weeks paid annual leave after 12 months in the job.
- 11 public holidays per year
- After 6 months employment, 5 days of special leave for the next year.
- After 12 months employment, up to 12 months parental leave
- Leave for defense force volunteers

Employment agreements may also include conditions relating to duties and responsibilities, term of agreement, pay rates, pay day, hours of health and safety, etc.
Employees can resign at any time as long as it is within the conditions of their employment agreement. If the employer wants to dismiss an employee there must be a good reason for the dismissal, and the employee can take legal action on the employer if he/she thinks they have been treated unfairly.
New Zealand’s National Superannuation Scheme entitles all to a pension at the age of 65.
Employees can choose whether they wish to join a union, and are covered by the union’s collective agreement.
Employees who choose not to belong to trade union must negotiate an Individual Employment agreement.