English help and job search for migrants: free classes, interpreters and community groups

Interpreters

• Ask for an interpreter when you call or visit a government agency such as Work and Income, INZ or IRD. Say your language at the start.
• Language Line, the old government telephone interpreting service, has closed. Government agencies now use telephone, video and face-to-face interpreters: see MBIE's Language Assistance Services pages.
• Employment NZ's migrant exploitation line (0800 200 088) says to call and say the language you speak.
• In health and justice settings, you have additional rights to interpreters. Ask.

Learning or improving English

• English Language Partners is a not-for-profit with centres around New Zealand. It offers group classes, online classes and ESOL Home Tutoring (volunteer tutors).
• Its site lists most programmes as free for NZ residents and citizens, and some paid courses (about $390 a term at the time we checked) for people who aren't eligible. Contact your local centre for current eligibility.
• Some libraries and community centres run conversation groups and free classes.
• If your English test result is a visa requirement: INZ extended AEWV English language requirements to skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026 (Job Change applications are exempt). Ask your adviser.

Citizens Advice Bureau

CAB (0800 367 222) offers free, confidential information and has translated information and interpreter support. Its site covers information for migrants.

Community and migrant organisations

Organisations come and go and services vary by region, so check each one's current services directly:

• Migrant Action Trust: listed by Red Cross as supporting former refugees with employment.
• Refugees as Survivors New Zealand: mental health support for people from refugee backgrounds.
• Auckland Council's migrant settlement page lists community groups such as The Asian Network Incorporated (TANI), Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC) and Asylum Seekers Trust.
• Settlement Support New Zealand existed as a Crown-funded local network; we couldn't confirm its current status. INZ's settlement services pages describe what's offered now.
• Ethnic and faith communities (Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Pasifika, Muslim and others) often run welfare, job leads and food help. Ask at a local association, church, temple or mosque.
• Office of Ethnic Communities has resources for newcomers.

Job search tips

• Check that employers are AEWV-accredited if you need sponsorship.
• Present overseas experience in NZ terms: job titles, results, numbers. Keep your CV to 2 pages.
• Check whether your qualification or registration is recognised (NZQA, regulatory bodies).
• Use the Direct Career Service (0800 222 733) for CV and job-search help.
• Beware recruiters or agents who ask for money to find you a job; that may be illegal. Report it to Employment NZ.