Job Prospects & Incentives
New Zealand always needs high-quality, well-educated teachers.
In particular, the job market is buoyant for secondary teachers. New Zealand secondary school rolls are increasing, and are expected to peak around 2007. Consequently, there is an increased demand for secondary teachers, particularly for the following subjects:
- maths
- physics
- chemistry
- technology
- information and comms technology
- te reo Māori.
In Auckland, there are shortages of primary, intermediate and secondary teachers.
There are also great opportunities for registered early childhood teachers throughout the country.
The majority of Overseas Trained Teachers appointed to schools here have come from countries with strong language, cultural or educational similarities to New Zealand such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Teachers need to be very competent in written and spoken English.
Financial incentives exist for teachers who have expertise in speciality areas or subjects in which there is a teacher shortage.
If you are an overseas trained teacher relocating to New Zealand and you have a job offer, and you have training and qualifications that are recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and the New Zealand Teachers' Council (NZTC) and a current work permit, you may be eligible for an International Relocation Grant.
The level of grant paid depends on your term of employment:
- $1,500 where your term of employment is for at least six weeks but less than two school terms;
- $4,000 where your term of employment is for two school terms or more.
This grant must be applied for through your Principal within eight weeks of commencing employment.
To see if you meet all of the eligibility requirements of this grant, please access the International Relocation Grant application form via the Ministry of Education's website at www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/resourcingforms.
Regardless of whether you are eligible for a grant, contact TRS if you are keen to work in New Zealand. Also see the sections on