Wellington

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Employee Support Services

Resources and support services for employees, including unions, workplace counseling, and financial assistance.

Sections

1. Job Search Assistance

Wellington has several organizations and resources to help individuals find employment, including job boards, recruitment agencies, and government-funded programs.

Key Services:

  • Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ):

    • What they offer: Job search support, CV writing assistance, interview preparation, and access to job vacancies.
    • Eligibility: Open to New Zealand citizens, residents, and work visa holders (with certain conditions).
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to access: Visit a local WINZ office or register online at Work and Income NZ.
    • Considerations for immigrants: You may need to provide proof of your visa status and work eligibility.

  • Careers.govt.nz (Government Career Services):

    • What they offer: Online tools for job searching, career planning, and skill development.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to access: Visit Careers NZ.

  • Recruitment Agencies:

    • Examples: Madison Recruitment, Hays, and Randstad.
    • What they offer: Industry-specific job placements, temporary and permanent roles, and career advice.
    • Cost: Free for job seekers (employers pay the agency fees).
    • How to access: Register online or visit their offices in Wellington.

  • Migrant and Refugee Support Services:

    • Examples: Changemakers Resettlement Forum and Multicultural New Zealand.
    • What they offer: Tailored job search support for immigrants and refugees, including workshops and networking opportunities.
    • Cost: Free or low-cost.
    • How to access: Contact the organizations directly through their websites or local offices.

2. Workplace Rights Information

Understanding your rights as an employee is crucial, especially for immigrants who may be unfamiliar with New Zealand's labor laws.

Key Services:

  • Employment New Zealand:

    • What they offer: Information on minimum wage, employment agreements, leave entitlements, and workplace health and safety.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to access: Visit Employment NZ or call their helpline at 0800 20 90 20.
    • Considerations for immigrants: Resources are available in multiple languages, and they provide specific guidance for migrant workers.

  • Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley:

    • What they offer: Free legal advice on employment disputes, unfair dismissals, and workplace discrimination.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to access: Visit their website at Community Law or attend a drop-in session.

  • Unions:

    • Examples: FIRST Union, E tΕ«, and NZ Council of Trade Unions.
    • What they offer: Advocacy for workers, collective bargaining, and support in resolving workplace issues.
    • Cost: Membership fees vary (typically $5–$15 per week).
    • How to access: Contact the union relevant to your industry.

3. Career Counseling and Skill Development

Career counseling services in Wellington help individuals identify their strengths, explore career options, and upskill for better opportunities.

Key Services:

  • Careers.govt.nz:

    • What they offer: Free online career quizzes, job market insights, and advice on training and education.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to access: Visit their website.

  • Victoria University of Wellington Career Services:

    • What they offer: Career counseling, workshops, and employer networking events (available to students and alumni).
    • Cost: Free for students; alumni may incur a small fee.
    • How to access: Visit the university’s career services office or website.

  • Wellington Chamber of Commerce:

    • What they offer: Networking events, mentorship programs, and professional development workshops.
    • Cost: Membership fees apply (varies by program).
    • How to access: Visit Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

  • Industry Training Organizations (ITOs):

    • Examples: Competenz, Primary ITO, and Skills.
    • What they offer: Apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and certifications in various industries.
    • Cost: Subsidized or free for eligible participants.
    • How to access: Contact the relevant ITO for your industry.

4. Mental Health Resources

Maintaining mental well-being is essential, especially when dealing with the stress of job searching or adapting to a new workplace.

Key Services:

  • Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP):

    • What they offer: Confidential counseling and support for workplace stress, personal issues, and mental health challenges.
    • Cost: Free (if provided by your employer).
    • How to access: Check with your employer to see if they offer EAP services.

  • Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand:

    • What they offer: Resources and support for managing stress, anxiety, and workplace mental health.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to access: Visit Mental Health Foundation NZ.

  • Skylight Trust:

    • What they offer: Counseling and support for individuals dealing with grief, trauma, or significant life changes.
    • Cost: Fees vary based on income (subsidies available).
    • How to access: Visit Skylight Trust.

  • Migrant and Refugee Mental Health Services:

    • Examples: Refugee Trauma Recovery and Vaka Tautua.
    • What they offer: Culturally sensitive mental health support for migrants and refugees.
    • Cost: Free or low-cost.
    • How to access: Contact the organizations directly.

5. Specific Considerations for Immigrants and Newcomers

  • Language Support: Many services offer translation or interpretation assistance. For example, Employment New Zealand provides multilingual resources.
  • Visa Requirements: Ensure your visa allows you to work in New Zealand. Some services, like WINZ, may require proof of eligibility.
  • Cultural Adjustment: Organizations like Multicultural New Zealand and Changemakers Resettlement Forum provide workshops and community events to help immigrants integrate into Kiwi culture.
  • Networking: Attend local meetups, industry events, and job fairs to build connections in Wellington’s job market.

Summary of Costs

| Service | Cost | |----------------------------------|---------------------------| | Work and Income NZ (WINZ) | Free | | Careers.govt.nz | Free | | Recruitment Agencies | Free | | Community Law | Free | | Unions | $5–$15 per week | | EAP (via employer) | Free | | Skylight Trust | Income-based fees | | Chamber of Commerce Events | Membership fees vary |

How to Get Started

  1. Identify Your Needs: Determine whether you need job search help, legal advice, career counseling, or mental health support.
  2. Gather Documentation: Prepare your CV, visa details, and any relevant qualifications.
  3. Contact Services: Reach out to the appropriate organizations via their websites, phone numbers, or in-person visits.
  4. Leverage Community Networks: Join local immigrant or professional groups to expand your support system.

By utilizing these resources, you can effectively navigate Wellington’s employment landscape and access the support you need to thrive.