Support in the workplace
Starting a new job in a new country, where things are done differently, can be challenging. But help is available, if you need it.
English for new arrivals
If English is not your first language, and you need to improve your English language skills, you have many options — from formal lessons and qualifications, to conversation groups.
Learning English in New Zealand
You can also try English for Employees courses run by English Language Partners, a not-for-profit community-based organisation.
English for Employees is a part-time, flexible programme designed for people who are already in work. As well as looking at language, the courses will help you to understand the New Zealand workplace.
The course is free for citizens and permanent residents, but other migrants can join the classes at a cost.
English for Employees — English Language Partners
Help from your employer
Many larger workplaces in New Zealand provide a service to help employees with any problems they are experiencing.
It is called an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Ask if there is one available in your workplace when you start work.
Most employers understand that settling in as new migrant can be hard, so if there is some form of help you need, just ask. Your workplace may also offer you a 'buddy' to help explain things you do not understand.
Examples of help you might need from your employer include:
- time off during the day to sort out paperwork or for an appointment
- taking leave to go back to your country for a short period.
Knowing your employment rights
New Zealand law protects employees in a number of ways. Make sure you are aware of your rights. There is more information on our Employment rights page and on the Employment New Zealand website.
Employment rights and responsibilities — Employment New Zealand
Migrant exploitation
New Zealand is committed to ensuring migrant workers are treated fairly. If you feel you or someone you know is being exploited, or if your employment rights are not being respected, you should ask for help. Information about what to do in this situation is available on the Immigration New Zealand website.
The same information is available in other languages, including Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Fijian, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Malay, Samoan, Tagalog, Tongan and Vietnamese.
Your rights as a worker from overseas
Migrant exploitation — Community Law
Joining a union
Unions are organisations that represent groups of workers in New Zealand. You have total freedom in deciding whether or not to join a union. It is illegal for your employer to influence that decision.
If you choose to join a union, you will need to pay a membership fee, which can be paid directly or taken out of your wages.
More information about unions and which ones cover your occupation is available on the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) website.
Find your union — Council of Trade Unions
Union Network of Migrants
The Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG) is a migrant led, non-profit and non-sectarian network of migrant workers that aims to protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers in New Zealand.
Getting help settling disputes
If you have a dispute in the workplace, there are various services to help you resolve it.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has an Employment Relations unit which offers a mediation service.
In many towns and cities there are Labour Inspectors. They work with employers and employees to make sure that employment laws are being applied properly in workplaces.
Community Law has a comprehensive guide to resolving employment problems.
Using mediation services effectively — Employment New Zealand
Labour Inspectorate complaints — Employment New Zealand