Is New Zealand calling you home?
If you’re looking for a Temp, Contract, Permanent or Executive role in New Zealand, our team at Tribe are ready to help!
Kiwis Returning Home
If you’re thinking of returning home to New Zealand in the short/mid-term or are on your way, as one of New Zealand’s fasting growing recruitment agencies, Tribe will help you find the next step in your career, guide you on the current market, trends and jobs in New Zealand and provide helpful advice to ensure your transition home is as smooth as possible.
We hear many stories about ‘reverse culture shock’ when kiwis return home – it’s not as easy as we think it might/should be. When you have been living and working in a big city, the thought of returning to NZ can seem a bit inhibiting. Those returning home have a different outlook and they have been transformed by the experience of living overseas, and since they’ve been away, NZ has also changed a lot and our larger cities have become more vibrant.
On top of this, those returning are coming back with very different personal circumstances, perhaps a partner, or a new or grown family that may have been born/raised offshore. This can be an emotional roller coaster and can take a good 6-12 months before you feel properly settled again; but many adjust to this new normal and regain their sense of belonging.
FAQ
You can come home anytime—but timing matters when it comes to job hunting. Avoid the Christmas/New Year period, as most hiring slows significantly from mid-December to mid-January. The recruitment market picks up speed in late January and peaks in February, so that’s often the best time to re-enter the workforce.
However, it's always good to stay alert for the latest job opportunities, turn on job alerts on LinkedIn!
Yes and no! One of the lasting impacts of COVID-19 is the shift towards hybrid and remote working. Many New Zealand employers now offer flexibility, especially in industries like tech, professional services, and marketing. If you’re returning from a global city, be prepared for slightly different expectations around work from home roles, while things have certainly changed, we are seeing a big shift towards getting people back into the office.
The cost of living in New Zealand has risen in recent years — especially housing, groceries, and dining out. If you're returning from Australia, the UK, or the US, you might notice some sticker shock in unexpected places. Budget for the essentials, use tools like Numbeo or New Zealand’s Cost of Living Dashboard to compare, and speak to friends or family to get a realistic snapshot of everyday expenses.
For rentals or buying: Start with Trade Me Property, realestate.co.nz and oneroof.co.nz to browse listings from agents across the country.
For temporary stays: AirBnB or short-term furnished rentals are ideal while you get settled.
Term dates & holidays: Visit the Ministry of Education website for official school calendars.
Zones & reviews: Use Education Counts to explore school zones, decile ratings, and performance.
Local knowledge: If you’re unsure, get in touch - we often speak to families relocating and can point you in the right direction.