Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for Students 2026: 25 Hrs/Week, NZD $23.95/Hr & Best Roles

Part time jobs in New Zealand for students are a critical component of every Indian student's financial plan — earning NZD $2,300–$2,600/month while studying, covering rent, groceries, transport, and daily expenses. In 2026, international students on a valid student visa can work up to 25 hours per week during academic sessions (increased from 20 hours on November 3, 2025) and full-time during scheduled holidays. With New Zealand's minimum wage rising to NZD $23.95/hr from April 1, 2026, Indian students working the full 25 hours earn more per hour than in Australia, Canada, or the UK. Part time jobs in New Zealand for students offer one of the highest earning-to-cost-of-living ratios of any study destination. In this definitive 2026 guide, EEC — with 27+ years of experience and 50,000+ Indian students placed — covers every aspect of working while studying in New Zealand: the 25-hour rule, the minimum wage increase, the 15 best-paying part-time roles, city-by-city job guides for Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton, realistic earning calculators, IRD number setup, tax obligations, and visa compliance rules to keep your student visa safe.

Work Rights — 25 Hours Per Week Rule Explained (2026)

The most important rule for part time jobs in New Zealand for students in 2026 is the weekly work hour limit. From November 3, 2025, Immigration New Zealand increased the off-campus work cap from 20 to 25 hours per week during academic sessions. During scheduled holidays (semester breaks, summer break), Indian students can work full-time with no hour limit. This 25-hour rule applies to all student visa holders enrolled full-time at a New Zealand education provider at NZQF Level 7 or above. Here is the complete breakdown of work rights by student type:

The increase from 20 to 25 hours per week is significant for Indian students in 2026. At the new minimum wage of NZD $23.95/hr (from April 1, 2026), the additional 5 hours generate an extra NZD $119.75 per week — that's NZD $479/month or NZD $5,748/year in additional income. Over a 2-year master's programme, this change puts an extra NZD $11,496 in an Indian student's pocket compared to the old 20-hour cap. Combined with the already-generous minimum wage, New Zealand in 2026 offers some of the highest part-time earnings for international students anywhere in the world.

Minimum Wage — NZD $23.95/hr from April 1, 2026

New Zealand's minimum wage is among the highest in the world — and it's increasing again in 2026. From April 1, 2026, the national minimum wage rises from NZD $23.50/hr to NZD $23.95/hr. Every employer in New Zealand is legally required to pay at least this rate, regardless of the employee's visa status. For Indian students working part time jobs in New Zealand, this means guaranteed high earnings with strong legal protections.

Unlike countries like the UK (where students earn £11.44/hr) or Canada (where minimum wages vary from CAD $15.00–$17.85/hr), New Zealand has a single national minimum wage — NZD $23.95/hr applies everywhere, whether you're in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or a rural town. There is no separate "training wage" or "youth rate" that employers can use to pay international students less. The New Zealand Employment Relations Act 2000 protects all workers equally, regardless of nationality or visa type.

How does New Zealand's minimum wage compare to other study destinations for Indian students? In purchasing-power-adjusted terms, NZD $23.95/hr in New Zealand provides comparable or better living standards than AUD $24.10/hr in Australia, significantly better than CAD $15.00–$17.85/hr in Canada, and substantially better than £11.44/hr in the UK. When combined with New Zealand's lower cost of living compared to Australia and the UK, the earning-to-expense ratio is one of the most favourable in the world for Indian students in 2026.

Best Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in New Zealand (2026)

Indian students looking for part time jobs in New Zealand for students have access to a diverse job market. The best part-time roles combine competitive hourly rates, flexible scheduling around lectures, and transferable skills that strengthen your CV for post-graduation employment. Here are the highest-paying and most accessible part-time jobs for Indian students in 2026:

The highest-paying part time jobs in New Zealand for students are tutoring (NZD $30–$50/hr) and IT support (NZD $27–$35/hr). Indian students with strong academic records can register with Student Job Search (SJS) — New Zealand's official student employment platform — and find tutoring opportunities in mathematics, science, and English. IT/CS students can find help desk and technical support roles at universities, businesses, and IT firms. These roles pay significantly above minimum wage and provide relevant professional experience for post-study work visa employment.

For Indian students who need work immediately upon arrival, restaurant/café jobs and supermarket/retail positions offer the highest availability. Auckland alone has hundreds of Indian restaurants, cafés, and retailers that actively hire Indian students. While these roles typically pay at or slightly above minimum wage (NZD $23.95–$28/hr), they offer the most flexible scheduling and the easiest entry point. Many Indian students start with hospitality or retail work and transition to skilled roles (IT support, tutoring, admin) after their first semester once they are settled and understand the NZ job market.

City-by-City Job Guide — Where to Find Part-Time Work in New Zealand (2026)

The part time jobs in New Zealand for students market varies significantly by city. Auckland has the largest volume of opportunities but also the highest competition. Wellington offers more professional/office roles. Christchurch has a booming construction sector with strong demand. Hamilton is growing rapidly with lower competition. Here is a city-by-city guide for Indian students in 2026:

Auckland — New Zealand's Largest Job Market

Home to the University of Auckland (QS #65) and AUT, Auckland is where over 60% of Indian students in New Zealand are based. The city offers the highest volume of part-time opportunities — particularly in hospitality, retail, IT, and delivery services. Indian-owned businesses in suburbs like Mt Roskill, Sandringham, and Papatoetoe actively hire Indian students. Average part-time earnings in Auckland: NZD $2,400–$2,600/month at 25 hours/week. Learn more about studying in Auckland.

Wellington — Professional and Government Roles

As New Zealand's capital, Wellington offers unique part-time opportunities in government agencies, tech companies, and professional services firms. Victoria University of Wellington students often find campus jobs, admin roles in parliament precinct offices, and positions in the city's thriving café culture. Wellington has fewer hospitality jobs than Auckland but more professional/office roles. Average part-time earnings: NZD $2,400–$2,700/month.

Christchurch — Construction and Growing Economy

Christchurch's post-rebuild economy offers strong demand for construction labour, warehouse work, and retail positions. The University of Canterbury campus has a growing number of student employment opportunities. Indian students with construction or engineering backgrounds can find higher-paying roles (NZD $25–$35/hr) in the building sector. Average part-time earnings: NZD $2,300–$2,500/month.

Hamilton — Lower Competition, Lower Living Costs

Hamilton, home to the University of Waikato, offers a smaller but less competitive job market. Dairy farming-related businesses, retail, and hospitality are the main employers. Living costs in Hamilton are 15–20% lower than Auckland, meaning Indian students' part-time earnings stretch further. Average part-time earnings: NZD $2,200–$2,400/month, but with significantly lower rent and expenses.

Monthly & Annual Earning Calculator — How Much Can You Earn? (2026)

Let's calculate exactly how much Indian students can earn from part time jobs in New Zealand in 2026, using the new minimum wage of NZD $23.95/hr (from April 1, 2026) and the 25-hour-per-week cap:

At the minimum wage of NZD $23.95/hr, an Indian student working the full 25 hours/week during academic sessions earns NZD $2,395/month — approximately ₹1.2 Lakhs per month. Over a 12-month academic year (including holiday periods where full-time work is permitted), annual earnings can reach NZD $31,000–$36,000 — enough to cover the annual living cost requirement of NZD $20,000/year and contribute significantly toward tuition fees.

For master's students with unlimited work hours, earnings are even higher. An Indian master's student working 30 hours/week in a skilled role at NZD $30/hr earns NZD $3,600/month — NZD $43,200/year. This exceeds the total annual cost of many New Zealand master's programmes, effectively making the education self-funding. For scholarship recipients, part-time work earnings plus scholarship funding can cover the entire cost of a New Zealand education.

“I work 25 hours a week at a café in Auckland earning NZD $25/hour. My monthly income of NZD $2,500 covers my rent, food, transport, and phone bill completely. My parents don't send money anymore — I'm financially independent from my second month in New Zealand.”

— Ankit Desai, EEC Student — BCA, University of Auckland (2025)

IRD Number & Tax Setup — Getting Paid Legally in New Zealand (2026)

Before starting any part time jobs in New Zealand for students, Indian students must obtain an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number — New Zealand's equivalent of a tax identification number. Without an IRD number, employers cannot legally pay you, and your income will be taxed at the highest rate (45%). Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Open a New Zealand Bank Account

You need a New Zealand bank account before applying for an IRD number. Major banks include ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac. Most Indian students open accounts with ANZ or ASB, which have dedicated international student onboarding processes. Bring your passport, student visa, proof of NZ address, and university enrolment letter. Many banks offer online account opening before you arrive in New Zealand.

Step 2: Apply for Your IRD Number Online

Once your bank account is active, apply for your IRD number through the Inland Revenue website (ird.govt.nz). You will need your passport number, student visa details, NZ bank account number, and NZ contact address. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Your IRD number is typically 8 or 9 digits and remains yours permanently — even if you leave and return to New Zealand.

Step 3: Choose Your Tax Code

When you start working, your employer will ask you to complete an IR330 Tax Code Declaration form. For most Indian students with one part-time job, the correct tax code is "M" (main income). If you have a second job, use "S" (secondary income) for the lower-paying job. Using the wrong tax code can result in overpaying or underpaying tax — both create complications.

Tax Rates for Indian Students in New Zealand (2026)

New Zealand uses a progressive income tax system. For Indian students earning from part-time work, the tax rates for the 2026 tax year are: 10.5% on income up to NZD $14,000; 17.5% on income from NZD $14,001–$48,000; 30% on income from NZD $48,001–$70,000. Most Indian students working 25 hours/week at minimum wage earn approximately NZD $28,000–$32,000/year, falling into the 10.5% and 17.5% tax brackets. After tax, take-home pay is approximately NZD $24,000–$27,000/year.

Visa Compliance — Protecting Your Student Visa While Working (2026)

Working while studying in New Zealand is a privilege, not a right — and violating your visa conditions can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and a future entry ban. Indian students must understand and strictly follow these visa compliance rules when working part time jobs in New Zealand in 2026:

Never exceed 25 hours/week during academic sessions (unless you are a master's or PhD student with unlimited work rights). Immigration New Zealand can verify your work hours through IRD tax records, employer payroll data, and random compliance checks. If your tax records show income inconsistent with 25 hours/week at your declared wage rate, INZ can initiate a compliance investigation.

Never work during sessions if your visa doesn't include work rights. Some student visas — particularly for short courses or English language programmes under 14 weeks — do not include work rights. Always check the conditions on your visa label or eVisa before accepting any employment. If you need to vary your visa conditions (for example, to work more hours for a specific period), you can apply for a Variation of Conditions (VOC) from Immigration New Zealand — the fee is NZD $325.

Maintain full-time enrolment. Your right to work is tied to your full-time student status. If you drop below full-time study (i.e., reduce your course load below what your institution defines as full-time), your work rights may be suspended or your visa may be breached. Indian students who need to reduce their course load due to academic or personal reasons should contact their institution's International Office first to understand the visa implications.

If your employer asks you to work more than 25 hours during term time, politely decline and explain your visa conditions. Legitimate employers in New Zealand understand international student work restrictions. If an employer pressures you to exceed your hours or offers "cash in hand" arrangements, report them to the Employment Relations Authority or contact EEC's post-arrival support team for guidance. Protecting your visa status is always the priority — your post-study work visa and entire New Zealand immigration pathway depends on maintaining a clean compliance record.

“EEC's pre-departure orientation saved me from a costly mistake. They explained the work hour limits, IRD setup, and tax codes so clearly that I was earning legally within two weeks of arriving. Many of my friends who came without proper guidance made compliance errors that cost them dearly.”

— Meera Joshi, EEC Student — Master of IT, Victoria University of Wellington (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions — Part Time Jobs in New Zealand for Students 2026

Indian students have many questions about part time jobs in New Zealand for students. Here are the most common questions answered by EEC's experts based on 27+ years of guiding Indian students to New Zealand: