Top 20 Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for Students, Parents & Career Changers (2025)

Introduction

In 2025, New Zealand’s part-time job market is thriving, with over 485,600 part-time employees contributing to a total of 550,000 part-timers, as reported by Leverage Edu. With a minimum wage of NZD 21.20 per hour and an average weekly part-time salary of NZD 1,292, these roles offer flexibility and supplementary income for students, working parents, and career changers. The sector has seen a 4.3% wage increase, driven by rising living costs, a flexible work culture, and the need for side income. This guide is tailored for New Zealand residents, with insights for international applicants seeking to navigate visa requirements. To stand out in this competitive market, craft a professional CV with our free CV maker and check our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for expert tips. For more career insights, explore our career blog.

What Makes a Good Part-Time Job in NZ (2025)?

Choosing the right part-time job in 2025 involves evaluating key factors to align with your lifestyle and career goals, ensuring both immediate income and long-term satisfaction:

• Flexibility of Hours: Essential for balancing studies, parenting, or career transitions. Roles like retail assistants at Woolworths or tutoring allow scheduling around personal commitments.
• Remote or Hybrid Options: Digital roles like freelance writing or virtual assistants offer work-from-home flexibility, increasingly popular in New Zealand’s evolving job market, especially for urban professionals.
• Low Barrier to Entry: Jobs like retail assistants or delivery drivers require minimal qualifications, making them accessible to diverse applicants, including students and career changers (Instarem).
• Work-Life Balance & Scheduling: Predictable or flexible schedules, such as evening shifts for baristas, are vital for parents and students managing multiple responsibilities.
• Industry Growth Potential: Sectors like tutoring and remote work are expanding, offering job security and pathways to full-time roles, particularly in education and tech.
• Competitive Pay: Part-time jobs should offer fair wages, like NZ$25-30/hour for tutors, to support rising living costs while rewarding your skills and time.

Explore flexible opportunities in our Top 15 Remote and Online Jobs in New Zealand 2025 or Student Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guides. For retail-specific roles, check our Retail Jobs in New Zealand 2025 guide to find high-demand opportunities.

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs

Access these resources to discover part-time opportunities in 2025:

• Job Boards: Platforms like Seek, TradeMe Jobs, Student Job Search (SJS), and Indeed NZ list numerous part-time roles.
• Company Websites: Check careers pages of retailers like Countdown, The Warehouse, or hospitality chains.
• Walk-ins: Local stores often display “We’re hiring” signs, ideal for retail and hospitality roles.
• Community Noticeboards: Facebook groups and local bulletin boards offer listings from small businesses.

For more job search strategies, see our Ultimate 2025 Job Guide. Explore additional career resources on our home page.

Tips for Landing a Part-Time Job in 2025

Boost your chances with these strategies:

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight skills like customer service or reliability for flexible roles (GetGis).
• Be Flexible: Availability for weekends or peak shifts is key for retail and hospitality.
• Use Referrals: Many jobs are filled through word of mouth; leverage your network.
• Showcase Transferable Skills: Emphasize communication, time management, and reliability.

Prepare a standout application with our free CV builder and read our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025. For interview tips, see our Job Interview Preparation Guide for New Zealand 2025.

Work Rights for International Students & Migrants

International applicants must comply with New Zealand’s work regulations:

• Work Hour Limits: Students can work 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours during holidays if over 18. Masters and PhD students have no limits (Leverage Edu).
• Visa Requirements: Open work visas offer flexibility; check Immigration New Zealand for eligibility.
• Compliance: Obtain an IRD number, work as an employee, and avoid prohibited industries. Tax rates start at 10.5% for earnings under NZD 14,000.
• Employee Rights: Entitled to minimum wage, holidays, and a safe workplace.

Clearly state visa eligibility in your CV. Tailor it with our Perfect CV Guide for New Zealand 2025 for visa tips and explore more job opportunities on our career blog.

FAQs

• Can I work part-time and still receive government support (e.g., Student Allowance)?
  Yes, but check income thresholds for benefits like Student Allowance, as earnings may affect eligibility.
• What’s the minimum wage in NZ in 2025?
  NZD 21.20 per hour, as updated by MBIE.
• Can you work two part-time jobs at once?
  Yes, if you comply with visa conditions and tax requirements, ensuring legal working hours are not exceeded.