Preparing for when workers from overseas arrive
Before new workers arrive from overseas, think about how you can help them settle into the workplace, and their new lives in New Zealand.
Information you can provide
From your first contact with new workers to the time they arrive in New Zealand, be positive but realistic about what New Zealand has to offer, and what it is like to live here.
You can help prepare your new workers for life in a new country by giving them the information they need. Some information will be best provided before they leave their country, and some when they arrive in New Zealand.
If you are an
Accredited employer requirements to help settle AEWV workers in New Zealand
Video: Tips to retain migrant talent for employers
Use our checklist to get started
If you are unsure what to consider, use our checklist to help you. It includes what to do before new workers arrive, when they arrive, and during their first days and weeks at work.
Prepare information for new workers
It is a good idea to have some information already prepared. You may want to create:
- an orientation programme to introduce your workplace
- a welcome kit with local information about the region, accommodation and transport information.
You could also prepare existing workers for the arrival of new workers by announcing it on your website or internal communication channels.
Share our resources with new workers
When you recruit a worker from overseas, there is a lot you need to learn about each other. Send them links to our online resources, which can help them plan their move before they leave their home country.
NZ Ready planning tool
NZ Ready, Immigration New Zealand’s free online planning tool, is another way you can help new workers. This tool asks them a series of questions and creates a personalised 'to do' list to help them plan their move to New Zealand.
Cost of living
What it costs to live in New Zealand may be quite different from a worker's home country. This page helps workers from overseas to understand the cost of living in different parts of New Zealand.
Information for employers
There is information on this website to help plan your recruitment and manage a new worker's arrival.
Hiring people from overseas not in New Zealand
Hiring overseas workers from the Philippines
Accredited employer requirements to help settle AEWV workers in New Zealand
Communicate clearly in the workplace
Clear communication in the workplace is essential for new workers' productivity, safety and wellbeing.
Keep in mind that English may not be a first language for workers from overseas. They may also have difficulty with the New Zealand accent and informal language at work. There are also many industry-specific terms or acronyms used in New Zealand workplaces. Help workers to learn new words by writing them down and taking the time to explain what they mean.
It can be difficult for new workers to adapt to different workplace structures and communication styles.
Being aware of these differences can help you to understand the communication challenges workers from overseas may be facing.
Talk about life outside the workplace
During the recruitment process, provide information about life in New Zealand. New workers from overseas need to know what to expect in relation to:
- basics of life in New Zealand such as housing and health care
- schooling and job opportunities for partners and children
- community support available.
If a new worker's family is happy and settled, then the worker is more likely to remain committed to your organisation and stay in New Zealand long term.
Community directory: A–Z index — Ministry for Ethnic Communities