Finding a teaching job in New Zealand

There are four steps that overseas teachers must complete if they wish to teach in New Zealand.  We suggest you carry out the steps in this order to make your move to New Zealand easier. (This information is available in greater detail on the TeachNZ website)

1.    Have your qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority for the purposes of teacher registration and starting salary in state schools.

2.    Gain registration as a teacher by registering with the New Zealand Teachers Council (Steps 1 & 2 may be started at the same time)

3.    Apply for a job. Once teacher registration has been gained teachers can apply for any teaching position in New Zealand appropriate to their skills, qualifications and experience. 

4.    Obtain a work permit (does not apply to Australian citizens or permanent residents) from Immigration New Zealand. 

Useful job seeking information

In New Zealand, schools and early childhood services are responsible for employing their own staff. There is no central staffing agency and no government department responsible for staff placement. You can apply directly to schools or centres directly and do all the paperwork yourself. All applications should be made therefore, to the employing school.  In early childhood services, teachers are employed by the licensee or owner of the service. The links below will help you find where teaching jobs are advertised.

You can also find work through the Ministry of Education preferred teacher recruitment agencies. Their services are free to teachers. You will still have to pay relevant immigration, teacher registration and qualifications evaluation service charges. 

Some ways teaching positions are advertised in New Zealand: