Home > International Jobs in Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand and Auckland in particular have always been a popular place for relocating expatriates from all over the world. New Zealand is recognised as one of the most desirable places for genuine quality of life away from the environmental concerns of modern day city living. With a population of over 1.3 million residents, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand.

Auckland is actually made up of four cities and there are two dramatic geographic elements that dominate life in and around the greater conurbation – namely the volcanoes and the sea. These ensure that Auckland is a stunning place to live with breathtaking views assured. What's more, because the greater city area is home to almost a quarter of all the citizens of New Zealand, it is certainly a happening and exciting place to live.

Auckland offers a fabulous location for exploring the rest of the nation.

An active life: For sports and adventure lovers – Auckland is likely to be your paradise on earth. New Zealanders are renowned for their robust attitude to sports and getting out there and getting on with things anyway, but Aucklanders possibly even more so. There are golf courses in Auckland and from the city you can go on 4track adventures, you can cycle, hike, mountain bike, bungee jump, climb the Auckland Bridge, go canyoning, kayaking, horse riding, sky diving, skiing or diving. Basically, the outdoor and active life is to be embraced if you move to live in Auckland.

Accomodation: You are never far from the ocean when you live in Auckland and what's more, you're never far from fantastic beaches. The proximity of the ocean coupled with the amount of parkland that the city has in abundance makes the general lifestyle in the city a far healthier and happier one in general than you might experience in a heavily industrialised British city for instance.

Western Springs Park is especially attractive with its lake. Wherever you head in the city you will come across small gardens or parks and Auckland is very green.

When it comes to the property market landscape in Auckland there are vast discrepancies between house prices depending on the suburb or region you prefer. The good news is that the market has been falling and falling quite sharply meaning that anyone moving to live in New Zealand today will get more for their money than they would have before. Experts in the market suggest the property scene in Auckland is now stabilising and bottoming out.

A median rate in 2009 for a one bedroom apartment is approximately 250 dollars going up to 5 or 600 dollars for a 4 bedroomed place.

Transport: There are bus services servicing key routes across the city and the city suburbs.

Travel by bus is getting quicker as Auckland's network of bus lanes grows. Bus lanes can be used by buses, cyclists, motorbikes and emergency services. The lanes operate during peak traffic times and these times can vary. It is important to check the signs to find out when the bus lanes are operating.

There are two rail lines across Auckland servicing the city. The Britomart Transport Centre is in downtown Auckland. At some local stations across the city, park-and-ride facilities are available or planned so its easier for people to travel by train. Some bus routes also service the rail stations.

Catching a ferry is a great way to travel. Ferry services connect the city with the North Shore, eastern bays and Hauraki Gulf Islands. All ferries leave from the historic Ferry Building at the bottom of Queen Street.

Everything you need to know about getting around Auckland on buses, trains and ferries. Visit www.maxx.co.nz

Driving a car in New Zealand: You can drive a car with a valid overseas drivers licence or an international driving permit in New Zealand for up to 12 months. If you stay longer than 12 months you must get a New Zealand drivers licence. Contact the Automobile Association to find out more about New Zealand's road rules and driver licensing.

The council also manages pay-and-display parking on the city's streets. This ensures everyone has an equal chance of finding a park. Remember to check the signs before you park and pay using text messaging, credit card or coins to avoid a parking fine.

Drivers, Aucklanders are quite pushy once they get behind the wheel. Don't react and don't stress, just go with the flow, put the radio on and forget about it!

Working in Auckland: In terms of employment, Auckland is the economic capital of New Zealand and the largest commercial centre in the country - all the major multi nationals have offices in the city. This ensures that there is a wide base of diverse employment opportunity and that there is a higher than national average personal median income enjoyed by many professionals who are resident in the city.

The industries that employ the most people and earn the most for the region include:

These industries provide most of Auckland's income and employment, and have achieved steady growth over recent years. Job opportunities are good, and many periodically experience staff shortages.

Biotechnology: The New Zealand Government has identified biotechnology as an important business sector for the country and the Auckland region. Biotechnology is important because as a high value, high growth sector and a globally competitive industry.

ICT: Again, the ICT sector has been identified by the New Zealand Government as an important business sector for the country and the Auckland region. ICT is a high value, high growth sector with export potential and requires skilled workers.

Creative: The creative industries are an important sector and help the city's economy become more productive, innovative and competitive. As Auckland city is home to the creative industries in New Zealand, there is a focus on accelerating opportunities for the creative sector.

Healthcare: Another big employer is health. The Auckland region has a fast growing population, and demand for health services is growing with it. This has meant a steady rise in job opportunities. Between 1998 to 2007 employment in health jobs increased from 22,700 to 31,900, a rise of 9,200 employees.

People can work in public and private health services in a broad range of roles including working in:

Life at work: The social side of life in Auckland is almost as diverse and exciting as the scenery around the city! Wining and dining establishments are available across the city in abundance and are generally of a high standard, there are all types of cuisine available and these bars, restaurants and cafes are just the tip of the social scene and nightlife iceberg. Aucklanders do work hard but they also enjoy life to the full making the very most of the weekend and trying to stretch it out from Thursday right through to Sunday night if possible!