Kmart Jobs in New Zealand (2025): Application Guide, Salaries & Hiring Tips

Introduction: Overview of Kmart in New Zealand

Kmart stands as one of New Zealand's leading retail employers, offering a diverse range of job opportunities that cater to students, part-time workers, and those starting their careers. With over 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand, Kmart has become a household name, known for its affordable products and accessible shopping experience (Kmart Australia Careers). In New Zealand, the company employs thousands of team members across its retail stores and distribution centers, making it a significant player in the retail job market. The chain is particularly popular among students, part-time workers, and entry-level job seekers due to its flexible scheduling, no-experience-required roles, and opportunities for career advancement.

This guide is primarily designed for people living in New Zealand who are interested in working at Kmart, but it also includes tips for international applicants looking to work in the country. For those outside New Zealand, working at Kmart is possible but requires a valid work visa, especially for international students. Need a standout CV to secure a Kmart role? Use our free CV maker and check out our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for expert tips. For more retail job opportunities, explore our Retail Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide.

Why Work at Kmart New Zealand?

Working at Kmart offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive employer, particularly for those seeking flexibility and career growth. Flexible shifts are a major advantage, catering to students and parents who need to balance work with study or family commitments. Kmart’s official career page highlights this flexibility, noting that roles can be tailored to various availabilities, including balancing study, which can be discussed with the Store Manager (Explore Careers NZ, 2023).

The company fosters a friendly team environment and inclusive culture, which is evident from employee reviews on Reddit and Glassdoor. For instance, a Reddit post from 2024 mentioned, “Everyone at my Kmart store is really friendly, and it makes the job more enjoyable” (Reddit, 2024). Opportunities for advancement are another draw, with many team members progressing into supervisory or management roles over time. Kmart’s career development pathway to Store Leadership is well-documented, with a video available for more information on their careers page (Explore Careers NZ, 2023). Additionally, staff discounts and in-store benefits enhance the employee experience, as noted by employees on Glassdoor who value perks like discounts on Kmart products (Glassdoor, 2024). These factors make Kmart a compelling choice for job seekers in New Zealand, similar to opportunities at Woolworths. For more job search strategies, visit our Career Blog.

Types of Jobs at Kmart (2025)

Kmart offers a variety of roles to suit different skill levels and career stages, based on job listings from Kmart’s official careers page and platforms like SEEK and Indeed. The following table outlines the main types of positions available in 2025:

These roles cater to a range of experience levels, from entry-level positions to advanced managerial roles, making Kmart a great place to start or advance a retail career, similar to roles at Cotton On for retail opportunities. Employee reviews on Indeed highlight that entry-level roles like Team Member are perfect for students, with one review stating, “Great job as a 15-year-old, perfect for teens” (Indeed, 2024). For more insights on similar roles, check our Warehouse Jobs Guide.

Kmart Salaries and Pay Rates in 2025

Salaries at Kmart vary depending on the role, experience, and location, but specific 2025 figures for Kmart New Zealand are not publicly available. However, based on general retail salary trends and the current minimum wage, we can estimate pay rates. As of April 2025, the minimum wage in New Zealand is $23.50 per hour for adults, with starting-out and training rates at $18.80 per hour (Employment New Zealand, 2025). Kmart typically pays above the minimum wage for entry-level roles, with estimates suggesting:

• Entry-level hourly wage: Around $24–$26 per hour, slightly above the minimum wage and aligning with industry standards for retail positions, based on data showing retail sales salaries at $24.17/hour (Talent.com, 2024).
• Weekend and public holiday penalty rates: Retail workers are entitled to penalty rates for working on weekends and public holidays, which can increase hourly pay by up to 50% (Employment New Zealand, 2025).
• Supervisor and manager ranges: These roles can earn between $26–$35 per hour, depending on experience, with retail manager salaries averaging $33.33/hour (Talent.com, 2024).
• Part-time options: Kmart offers flexible part-time hours, ideal for students, with employee reviews on Indeed noting, “Good hours and nice management” (Indeed, 2024).

Compared to other retail employers like The Warehouse and Countdown, Kmart’s pay rates are competitive, especially with benefits like staff discounts. However, some employees on Glassdoor have noted that career progression and benefits could be improved, with a rating of 2.9/5 for compensation (Glassdoor, 2024). For precise salary details, check current listings on Kmart NZ Careers. For more retail job comparisons, explore our McDonald’s Jobs Guide.

How to Apply for Kmart Jobs

Applying for a job at Kmart is straightforward, but following the process carefully can help you stand out. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on information from Kmart’s careers page and Explore Careers NZ:

1. Visit the Kmart NZ Careers Page: Go to Kmart NZ Careers to view current job openings.
2. Search by Region/Store: Use the search function to find jobs in your area, targeting stores near you.
3. Create a Profile and Upload Your CV: Register on the careers portal and upload a tailored CV highlighting retail experience. Kmart does not require a resume for first-time job seekers, but a professional CV can make a strong impression (Explore Careers NZ, 2023). Use our free CV maker to craft one.
4. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the form, including details about your availability and why you want to work at Kmart, emphasizing flexibility.
5. Optional: Drop Off a Printed CV: Some stores appreciate a personal touch, so consider dropping off a printed CV at your local Kmart.

Tailoring your CV is crucial. Employee reviews on Reddit suggest that a customized application can make a difference, with one user noting, “I got hired after customizing my CV for retail” (Reddit, 2024). For more CV tips, check our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 or explore additional job application strategies on our New Zealand homepage.

Hiring Process and What to Expect

The hiring process at Kmart typically involves several stages, based on employee experiences shared on Glassdoor and Reddit:

• Online Application Screening: Your application is reviewed for qualifications and availability, usually within a few days.
• Group or Individual Interviews: Often conducted in-store, these may include scenario-based questions or role plays to assess customer service skills. Reddit users note interviews focus on teamwork and reliability, with one saying, “They asked me how I’d handle a difficult customer, and it was pretty straightforward” (Reddit, 2024).
• Hiring Timeline: The process usually takes 1-2 weeks, though this varies by store.
• Dress Code and Tips: Dress smartly for interviews and discuss availability and retail experience. Indeed reviews suggest a positive attitude is key, with one saying, “They made me feel part of the team from day one” (Indeed, 2024).

For more interview preparation strategies, explore our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025 or learn how to excel in retail roles with our Customer Service Jobs Guide.

Tips to Boost Your Chances

To stand out in a competitive job market, consider these tips, supported by employee insights from Glassdoor and Reddit:

• Apply Early in the Week: Monday to Wednesday is when hiring managers are likely to review applications, increasing visibility.
• Emphasize Key Skills: Highlight reliability, communication, and team spirit, as these are valued in retail.
• Showcase Retail Experience: Even small roles or volunteer work can demonstrate suitability, with a Reddit user noting, “My volunteer experience at a charity shop helped me get hired” (Reddit, 2024).
• Customize Your CV and Cover Letter: Tailor them for retail roles using tools like our free CV maker.
• Demonstrate Flexibility: Be open to weekends, evenings, and holidays, as Kmart values flexible availability.

These strategies align with employee feedback emphasizing initiative and flexibility (Glassdoor, 2024). For broader job strategies, see our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide or explore part-time retail options in our Top 20 Part-Time Jobs Guide.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes, international students can apply for jobs at Kmart, provided they meet visa conditions. In New Zealand, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during holidays, as per Immigration New Zealand guidelines. Applicants need a valid passport with VISAs, a New Zealand Birth Certificate (if applicable), and photo ID, with processing times for work rights taking 4-8 weeks (Explore Careers NZ, 2023). Glassdoor reviews suggest Kmart supports international staff, with one noting, “They helped me understand my work rights as an international student” (Glassdoor, 2024). Check the latest visa requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website. For more student job options, see our Student Jobs Guide.

Where to Find Kmart Jobs

Kmart job listings can be found on several platforms, ensuring accessibility for all job seekers:

• Official Kmart NZ Careers Page: Visit Kmart NZ Careers for up-to-date listings.
• Job Search Websites: Check SEEK NZ, Indeed NZ, and Trade Me Jobs.
• In-Store: Look for job posters or boards at your local Kmart, especially for entry-level roles.
• Social Media and Local Groups: Explore local Facebook groups or student job boards for postings, ideal for part-time roles.

These platforms are popular among New Zealand job seekers (SEEK NZ, 2024; Indeed NZ, 2024). For more retail job options, check our Subway Jobs Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common queries, including insights for international applicants:

• Can I work at Kmart without experience?
  Yes, Kmart hires for entry-level positions and provides training, ideal for first-time job seekers. Training includes an online induction and in-store sessions (Explore Careers NZ, 2023).
• What’s the minimum age to work at Kmart NZ?
  The minimum age is 16, but some roles, like night fill, may require you to be 18 due to legal restrictions (Employment NZ).
• How long does it take to hear back?
  Typically, 1-2 weeks, though this varies by store, as noted in Glassdoor reviews (Glassdoor, 2024).
• Are uniforms provided?
  Yes, Kmart provides uniforms, a common benefit mentioned in Indeed reviews (Indeed, 2024).
• Can I work weekends only?
  Kmart prefers flexible availability, but weekend-only shifts may be considered depending on store needs, as discussed on Reddit (Reddit, 2024).

Conclusion

Working at Kmart New Zealand offers a rewarding experience with flexible hours, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for career growth. Whether you’re a student seeking part-time work or starting a retail career, Kmart provides a platform to develop valuable skills and advance professionally. With competitive pay, staff discounts, and a dynamic retail environment, Kmart is an excellent choice for job seekers in New Zealand. For international applicants, a valid work visa opens the door to these opportunities.

Ready to apply? Explore job listings on Kmart NZ Careers or SEEK NZ, and craft a winning CV with our free CV maker. For broader job strategies, check our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide.

Sources

1. Kmart Australia Careers
2. Explore Careers New Zealand Kmart Employer Page
3. Employment New Zealand: Minimum Wage Rates and Types
4. SEEK NZ: Kmart Jobs
5. Indeed NZ: Kmart Jobs
6. Trade Me Jobs: Kmart Listings
7. Glassdoor: Kmart Reviews
8. Reddit: New Zealand Community
9. Stuff: Kmart Expansion Article
10. Talent.com: Retail Salaries