Employee rights
Knowing your rights
Working while you study is a great way to make money, meet people and learn about New Zealand work culture. However, it might be a little different to working back home. Learn about your basic rights as an employee.
Your basic work rights
When you work in New Zealand, you have basic legal rights that make sure you're safe at work and your employer treats you well. Everyone working in New Zealand as an employee has the same rights at work, including you!
When you start your job, some of the things your boss or employer must do are:
If they don't, they're breaking the law.
Good to know
Starting work
Getting paid
Breaks, holidays and leave
Feeling safe at work
Ending work
How to be a great employee
What to do if there's a problem
Remember, when you’re at work in New Zealand you should be treated the same as all New Zealand workers, no matter what work you do or the visa you're on.
If you’re worried that you're being treated differently or that you’re not getting the same rights, check out ‘What to do if there’s a problem at work’ for suggestions about what to do.
Related pages
Getting paid and tax
Getting paid the right amount of money and paying tax is important when you work in New Zealand. Learn about the different ways you might get paid, minimum wage and salary rules, and paying tax and tax rates when working on a student visa.
Problems at work
New Zealand is a great place to work because it's fair and safe. All employees have the same rights. In rare cases, employers don’t follow the rules. Find out how to get help with bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Working on a student visa
Working while you study in New Zealand is a great way to get job experience, make new friends, and help with living costs. Just make sure you follow the work conditions on your student visa and find the right balance between work, study and socialising.