The types of temporary work
| Type | What it means | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | Work only when offered, no guaranteed hours, no obligation to accept or to be offered | Employers can pay 8% holiday pay with your wages only in limited cases (genuinely intermittent or irregular work, or a genuine fixed term under 12 months), it must be in your agreement and shown separately. If the work becomes regular, you may be entitled to paid annual holidays instead. Check Employment NZ. |
| Fixed-term employee | Employment for a set period or until a specific event (cover for parental leave, project) | Employer must have genuine reasons and tell you in writing how and when it ends; you have rights similar to permanent employees |
| Agency temp | Employed by an agency, placed at a client | Check who pays holiday pay, leave, ACC and notice; ask for it in writing |
| Contractor | Self-employed; you invoice, pay your own tax and ACC | No sick leave, annual leave or holiday pay. Since 21 February 2026 a "gateway test" applies (see the box below); if you don't meet it, the usual tests of the real relationship decide whether you are an employee |
| Seasonal | Employment tied to a season, e.g. harvest, ski season | Often paid piece-rate plus minimum wage top-up; see seasonal calendar guide |
The adult minimum wage is $23.95 an hour (from 1 April 2026). Employers can't pay below that to employees, however short the job.
Why temporary work helps
- Income now, while you hold out for the right permanent role.
- A current referee and recent experience, filling any gap on your CV.
- A foot in the door: many employers convert good temps into permanent staff.
- A way to test a new industry before you commit to retraining.
- Networks: you meet people who hear about vacancies first.
What it means for Jobseeker Support
- If you are on a benefit you must tell Work and Income when you start work, and report your income, usually through your online account (My Work and Income) or by phone. Failing to report can lead to overpayments that you must repay.
- Part-time or casual earnings reduce your payment gradually once income passes the free-earnings amount. Check the current figures at workandincome.govt.nz.
- A short-term job can mean your benefit is put on hold and restarts when the job ends, with less hassle if you tell them early. Ask your case manager.
- The Transition to Work grant (up to $1,500 in 52 weeks) can help with costs between your last benefit payment and your first pay, plus work clothing and transport.
Your rights in temporary work
- Written employment agreement: every employee, including casuals and temps, is entitled to one before starting.
- Fixed-term agreements must state in writing the reason and how the term ends.
- Holiday pay, sick leave (generally after 6 months of employment, with hours tests for casuals) and public holiday entitlements depend on your arrangement; Employment NZ has a calculator.
- Trial periods: an employer can use a trial of up to 90 calendar days for a new employee only if it is in a written agreement you sign before you start work. During a valid trial you generally can't bring an unjustified dismissal grievance, but you can still raise other grievances (such as discrimination or harassment). Immigration NZ doesn't allow trial periods for migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Check Employment NZ for current rules.
- Casual employees can't be made to accept an offered shift, but if the work is regular and ongoing you might actually be a permanent employee. Ask Employment NZ (0800 20 90 20).
Where to find temp and contract work
- Recruitment and labour-hire agencies.
- Filters on SEEK and Trade Me for 'contract/temp' work.
- Seasonal employers, packhouses, councils, event and tourism companies.
- Government departments hire short-term cover; check jobs.govt.nz.
- Community and business networks: 'Do you have any short-term work?' is an easy question to ask.
Sources
- Employment NZ: Minimum wage rates (opens in a new tab)
- Work and Income: Transition to Work grant (opens in a new tab)
- Employment NZ: Hiring (opens in a new tab)
- Employment NZ: Employee or contractor (opens in a new tab)
- Employment NZ: Trial periods (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.