New Zealand is known for its agricultural exports, but finance, tourism and manufacturing are also key industries and expats often work in education, healthcare and forestry. The Essential Skills in Demand List published by Immigration New Zealand is a useful starting point if you're looking for a job.
New the world’s most business friendly countries – it ranked first overall in The World Bank’s 2018 Ease of Doing Business Survey. Immigrants have played an integral role in shaping the country’s character. And its corporate environment is particularly welcoming if you want to start your own business.
The New Zealand government is equally supportive of local and expat entrepreneurs and small businesses comprise a significant proportion of the total labour force. The country is also renowned for encouraging foreign investment and its lack of red tape. But this stellar reputation means there's huge competition for jobs. Being aware of the business culture will give you an advantage.
The business environment is friendly but professional. New Zealanders value multiculturalism and welcome expats as part of the workforce.
New Zealanders can be reserved at first, but they're always polite and welcoming and they'll quickly move to first name terms. While they appreciate brevity, directness and humour, they don't like colleagues who overpromise or make exaggerated claims.
Meetings should be scheduled well in advance and punctuality is key.
New Zealand has an egalitarian culture where status or hierarchy isn't particularly valued - so exceptional achievements in the workplace aren't always acknowledged.
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Usually from 8am or 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
New Zealand's business dress code is difficult to pin down, although being well groomed and presentable is highly valued. In more formal settings, men tend to wear traditional dark suits while women choose smart dresses or business suits. Some industries have a far more relaxed dress code and men and jeans are often worn with sports jackets or pretty blouses.
Business greetings are usually casual, consisting of a handshake, a smile and direct eye contact.
Gifts aren't often exchanged during business meetings. If you're invited to a colleague's home, take some wine, chocolates or flowers.
Women are treated as equals in the workplace and are often appointed to senior corporate positions.
Expat salaries may be lower than you expect, but you're likely to earn more if you work in a job that appears on Immigration New Zealand's Essential Skills in Demand List.
The country is less controlled, there are more opportunities to be creative in business, and it's less bound by social niceties, friendlier, with more supportive communities.
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Always remember to ensure you are aware of and comply with any laws in your host country or country of origin that apply to gift giving and bribery.
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