Work Experience/Voluntary In New Zealand?

Question

I am going on the trip of a lifetime to New Zealand in eleven weeks time.

I will be there for a minimum of three months.

However I would like to do some work experience/voluntary whilst I am over there.

However I wonder if my age might go against me? I am 39 now but will be 40 in January. And will be spending my 40th birthday in N Z. That's one of the main reasons for going.

I want to take my time whilst over there hence the reason why I want to do voluntary.

Would like some serious advice on the above.

Any help appreciated?

Answer 1

Kia Ora - Greetings from New Zealand.

If you are coming to New Zealand and have any intention to work, either for payment or voluntarily, you will need to organise the correct visa before entering New Zealand.

Depending on which country you are coming from you may qualify for various visa's including a work/holiday visa.

Check out the official government website below for accurate advise:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/s...

If you are entering on a Vistor's visa you will need to have $1000 NZ for each month of your stay (or a credit card and statement showing you have these funds available).

If you have prepaid accommodation  then this amount decreases to $400 NZ per month.

Customs & Immigration are pretty tough on this matter and you will be asked to show proof of funds and asked about the intention of your visit on arrival.

Hope it all works out for you.  Have a great visit.

Answer 2

Wow - that's a nice thing to do.

Start at this site:::  Global Volunteer Network: International Volunteering Opportunities ...http://www.volunteer.org.nz/newzealand

also try:: http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/work_jo...

http://www.worksite.govt.nz/en/.tree/fin...

and http://www.conservationvolunteers.org.nz...

This two websites also have great info.

http://www.justlanded.com/english/new_ze...

http://www.workingin-newzealand.com

Have fun in NZ - I lived there for years.  Nelson, don't miss it, top of the south island and the sunniest city in NZ.

Answer 3

depending in which area you want to work I dont think there are many organisations who would refuse free help from a willing volunteer!

When I arrived in NZ at 16 yrs of age to live I didnt have my work permits so I did volunteer work at the local childcare centre.

This is going back 24 years mind you (gosh that makes me sound old!!) I just turned 40 too actually!

Anyway as a result they offered me full time work once my permit was through which was a great start for me.

Im sure that the laws are now a lot tougher when working in some areas such as with kids/the elderly and so on and you may need a police clearance or some proof that you are safe to work around kids and so on .....

just as a suggestion bring with you any certificates or documentation just to show you are of good character maybe a recent resume with a couple of contactable references on it.

Its only a few bits of paper so wont be a drama to bring them and it may make it easy for you to go and volunteer in your chosen field.

I married a Maori and although we now live in Oz the NZ ers are really open & friendly and Im sure will welcome your generous offer of volunteering with open arms

have a great time and please blow a kiss to my family there I miss my in-laws and NZ like crazy good luck to you