Moving to New Zealand

Embrace Life in New Zealand

At Max People, we know what it’s like to relocate — because we’ve done it ourselves. Owned and operated by two Irish expats who made New Zealand home over 16 years ago, we’ve been supporting tradespeople from Ireland and the UK since 2011. Whether you're a carpenter, roofer, or skilled labourer on a Working Holiday Visa, we’ll help you turn a working holiday into a life-changing adventure.

Here in New Zealand, the philosophy ofwholeheartedly enjoying life is deeply ingrained. Kiwis believe in coupling aproductive day's work with time well spent outdoors, with mates, or withfamily. Experience the vibrant lifestyle New Zealand has to offer — wherework-life balance isn’t just an aspiration, but a way of life.

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Venturing Abroad Made Simple

Relocating for work can be overwhelming — but we’ve got your back. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from preparing to leave to getting you site-ready once you arrive. Here are some things to consider:

  • Cost of living — including medical and dental. Use this calculator to plan ahead.
  • Where will you live? Most tradies on a WHV choose to rent or flat — check out Trade Me rentals to get a feel for pricing in different regions. We can also assist with finding housing options near your job site.
  • Transport to work — we’ll help you understand public transport, where to buy a car and pooling with other workers.
  • Community support — we’re here on the ground, and we’ve built a network to help you feel at home.
  • How much will you earn – and how far will it go? We’ll help you plan based on where you’ll live and your skills and experience.
To make things easy, we’ve created a Prepare for New Zealand Checklist to guide you through all the essentials — from visas and banking to boots and tools.

Explore Work Visa Options

Already have your Working Holiday Visa? Great — we’re ready when you are. If you haven’t applied yet, you can sign up for immigration updates from Immigration NZ, or contact us  as we work closely with an Immigration Advisor who can assist in the application.

Work visa eligibility

Skilled migrant categories

Tips for permanent residency

WHV updates and intake dates

Why Max People?

For over a decade, Max People has been a trusted recruitment partner in the New Zealand construction industry. We’ve helped over 5,000 workers find meaningful roles — many of whom started just like you, looking for adventure, growth, and a new way of life.

What sets us apart:

  • No nonsense — we’ll tell you what’s real, what’s available, and what’s required
  • Support with accommodation, IRD numbers, banking, and PPE
  • A job-ready checklist and placement before arrival

  • We focus on getting the right fit from the start — but if you need support along the way, we’re here to assist with regular check ins
  • Supportive onboarding tailored for international tradies — we understand what it takes to relocate and settle into work in New Zealand.

Where Can You Work?

We have job opportunities across New Zealand. Some of our most popular locations include:

Christchurch Location Image

Christchurch

The South Island’s biggest city, close to ski fields, beaches, and booming construction projects. A great hub for tradies wanting urban life with outdoor perks.

Auckland Location Image

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest city with major commercial construction underway. Great earning potential and endless lifestyle options.

Wellington Location Image

Wellington

The capital city, known for its cafes, arts scene, and cool vibes. Construction and infrastructure jobs available across the region.

Queenstown Location Image

Queenstown

Adventure capital of the world — and a great place to live and work if you love the outdoors. High demand for skilled carpenters and roofers.

Already Here or Planning Your Move?

If you’ve secured your visa and booked your flights, let us know! We’ll match you to roles suited to your experience, from:

  • Carpenters (formwork, finishing, commercial/residential)
  • Skilled Labourers & Hammerhands
  • Roofing crews (long-run, membrane, tile)
  • Civil Labour & concrete teams
  • Site-ready tradies with ConstructSafe or Site Safe tickets

Whether you're travelling solo or with a mate, we can help.

Already Here or Planning Your Move?

If you’ve secured your visa and booked yourflights, let us know! We’ll match you to roles suited to your experience, from:

Whether you're travelling solo or with amate, we can help.

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Take the First Step

We’ll Help With the Rest

Whether you’re already here or planning your WHV adventure, Max People is your trusted partner in construction work, relocation support, and building a life in New Zealand.

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Our mission is to deliver unparalleled service, tailored to your unique recruitment needs. Trust us to find the right people for the right results.

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