Why you should work in Wellington

Like most cities with growing economies, Wellington has a range of job opportunities, particularly in up-and-coming industries. High-priority areas include ICT, engineering, business and finance, health, and construction. 

About 81% of people in Wellington have a formal qualification, and 33% hold a tertiary qualification or equivalent — compared with 25% of New Zealand as a whole (Statistics New Zealand, 2018).

The average Wellington household income sits at NZD$120,451, with the mean individual annual earnings at NZD$72,113. The creative thinking of Wellington’s business leaders complemented by the talented people they recruit means Wellington boasts New Zealand’s most educated and highest-paid workforce.

Wellington may be small but there’s a lot going on. New Zealand’s government buildings and most ministerial offices are based in the city and surrounding suburbs, giving businesses access to top policy- and decision-makers.

Wellington has quickly become known as the country’s high-tech capital and is a hub for digital and technology startups. The city is also at the forefront of ground-breaking research and development, with many of New Zealand’s key national research institutes basing themselves in the region.

The capital’s thriving film and gaming scenes have produced some of New Zealand’s best-known actors, performers, and industry professionals. In 2019, Wellington became a UNESCO City of Film.

Wellington may sit at the edge of the world but is a place where startup companies can flourish, individuals can tap into opportunities, and companies can compete on the world stage.

Considered to be New Zealand’s creative capital, Wellington is fuelled by creative energy and is full of world leaders and game-changers.

Wellington has a thriving art and cultural scene, known for supporting and encouraging creativity across all industries, and a creative approach to getting things done. It allows big aspirations and career goals to come to life alongside thriving ideas and new ways of thinking.

Boosted by funders and incubators like Creative HQ and Callaghan Innovation, Wellington is a region that builds up creative thinkers with wild ideas. It’s no wonder thousands of world-class entrepreneurs, collaborators, thought-leaders, artists, performers, and creators of all types have made a niche for themselves in the capital.

Use the Skills Shortage lists to see if your skills are in demand in New Zealand. It means if you’re offered a job that’s on one of the lists, and you’ve got the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work or residence visa could be easier.