Your checklist to plan ahead

Before a new worker arrives in New Zealand, you can prepare them for what it is like to live and work in New Zealand by sending them:

• a welcome kit about working and living in New Zealand
• a written job description that sets out what is expected of them in the job — this is required by law
• information about your business and how it operates — for example, information on structure and roles, lines of communication, hours of work, number of employees, and policy on using internet and email
• a link to NZ Ready – Immigration New Zealand’s free online planning tool for people moving to New Zealand.

To make their arrival easier and depending on their situation, you could:

• check that their accommodation and transport are organised
• arrange for someone to meet them when they arrive
• prepare your existing workers for the new worker's start day
• arrange for someone at work to act as their ‘buddy’ or mentor
• learn about their values, work styles, culture and religious beliefs — prepare information for them on local cultural groups or places of worship
• allow for some time off in their first week so they can organise their home life, such as open a back account
• organise a tour of the local area.

NZ Ready

Create a welcome kit

When they arrive

When your new worker arrives, go through their welcome kit with them and ask if they have any questions. Make sure:

• you have their written employment agreement on hand and provide them with Employment New Zealand's helpline phone number so that they can get help with workplace issues, if necessary
• you show them around their new home and explain how things work, if you are providing them with accommodation
• they have the right clothing they need for work
• they have organised transport to work
• they have all the information they need about the local community and they have contact details for local settlement information services.

Employment New Zealand Helpline: 0800 20 90 20

On their first day at work

Welcome your new worker when they start work on their first day and then make sure:

• they meet their immediate supervisor and their 'buddy' or mentor
• you introduce them to other team members
• they have a workplace tour
• you give them information about their new workplace and their job — talk them through any instructions and ask them if they have any questions
• they are shown how to use any unfamiliar equipment and technology
• workplace etiquette is explained — for example, use of the kitchen
• you set up regular meetings with your new worker and their buddy to help them settle into the workplace.

In the following days and weeks

Once your new worker has been working for a few days or weeks and is starting to get used to the job and workplace:

• organise any on-the-job or off-site training
• make sure they know it is fine to ask questions
• organise some social activities for them and their family
• think about whether you are communicating with them effectively
• give workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) information about settling in New Zealand within their first month of employment.

Preparing for when workers from overseas arrive