Bay of Plenty

Find jobs, courses, business support and events in the Bay of Plenty, rich in forestry, horticulture and food production

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Free career advice

Book a one-to-one session with a career expert to make a personalised career plan. 

If you are exploring studying or training, or want assistance to prepare your CV, book a session with an experienced career expert.

Mt Maunganui
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 8.30am - 5pm
Where: Via phone conversation, zoom call or in person appointments. In-person appointments are available on Thursdays by appointment.

Request an appointment, email connected_wbop@msd.govt.nz

Rotorua
When: Monday to Thursday, 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm
Where: PeopleHQ, 1136 Fenton Street, Rotorua for face-to-face appointments
Online and phone appointments also available.

To request an appointment please email connected_rotorua@msd.govt.nz

Whakatāne
When: Monday to Friday
Where: Phone or online appointments available

Request an appointment please email: connected_ebop@msd.govt.nz

Eastern Bay of Plenty Career Expo

Needing advice about your next career move or looking for study options in 2024?

Come along and explore your options at this career expo to help inspire and move you towards your future!

When: Monday 13 May, 8am-2:45pm
Where: Whakatane War Memorial Hall, Short St, Whakatane

Connected pop-ups at Rotorua Library

Meet your Connected representative and find information on employment, education and training opportunities.

Pop in and find out about:

  • Local employment opportunities
  • Referral to careers practitioners
  • Support for career pathways
  • Introduction to the connected.govt.nz website
  • How Connected can support your next steps to employment, education and training.

When: Every Wednesday, 10am – 11am
Where: Rotorua Library, Te Aka Mauri, 1127 Haupapa Street, Rotorua

Drop-in or email connected_rotorua@msd.govt.nz

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Community Facilitator

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of disabled people within your community?

Connexu is looking for full-time, part-time, and casual Community Facilitators in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and the Lakes District (Taupo).

Work in a supportive and fun environment which is an integral part of the rewarding career you could have in the health sector.

You will be offered on the job training including:

  • CPI Safety
  • Medication
  • Crisis Prevention, and
  • First Aid.
Discover more (external link)

Trainee Locomotive Engineer – Kawerau

A great entry level opportunity to join one of NZ's fastest growing organisations.

Join the team at Freight Locomotive Engineers (Train Drivers) who move New Zealand’s goods safely and efficiently throughout the country. 

There are career development opportunities to gain a Locomotive Engineer qualification, staff privileges such as supportive team environment, travel, discounted insurance and holiday homes and more.

What you need:

  • A full clean Class 1 Driver’s Licence
  • Working nights, weekend, and public holidays over a 24/7 pre-planned roster
  • Being able to adapt to a changing environment
  • Computer skills and confidence with documentation.
Learn more (external link)

Seasonal jobs in the Bay of Plenty

Looking for a new seasonal job in the fruit or vegetable industries?

Pick NZ offer a range of Jobs in the horticulture industry and training is provided on the job! There are jobs for young, old, experienced and inexperienced people. All you need is your commitment and reliability – and to bring along your enthusiasm!

The summer season has started with a wide range of job opportunities:
• Orchard Workers - Te Puke
• Packhouse positions available - Opotiki
• Seasonal Kiwifruit Laboratory Technicians - Mount Maunganui
• Orchard Worker - Tauranga
And more

See the jobs available now (external link)

Support for young job seekers

Are you 15-24 years old and need help to pursue your dreams?

Youth Employment Plus – Rotorua (YEP-R) puts you at the centre to pursue your dreams by supporting your wellbeing and guide you on a pathway to achieve success in education, training and employment.

  • YEP-R provides mentoring and coaching to support you find the job you want
  • Work with you to develop the your skills and confidence
  • Aims to help you identify goals and create a plan to work towards achieving them
  • Supports you to achieve their aspirations and celebrate success

You'll also receive the following services:

  • CVs Cover Letters
  • Interview skills
  • Driver licensing and more!

For more information (external link)

Varied opportunities in Ōpōtiki District

The Workforce Team at the Ōpōtiki District Council are showcasing lots of interesting job opportunities, along with information about industry training and support.

Current job opportunities include:

  • Buyer- Ōpōtiki New World
  • Packhouse Manager- Seeka Ōpōtiki
  • General Orchard Staff- Sybton Horticulture 

New opportunities are added every week.

View job opportunities (external link)

More Bay of Plenty jobs

Looking for other work? Check out Find a Job, Work and Income’s recruitment website.

Find a Job is for anyone looking for work – you don’t have to be on a benefit. If you find a job you’re interested in, contact Work and Income to be put in touch with the employer.  

Visit Find a Job (external link)
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Taupō Pathways for youth employment

Get set for life with the licence to work programme.

If you are aged between 16 to 25 years old. This free programme supports you to get work ready!

The programme will cover the following:

  • Career planning
  • Learning about what the workplace expects of you
  • Workplace visits
  • Driver's licence & lessons
  • Health & Safety Course
  • First Aid Course
  • Connecting you with employers
  • Building your confidence
  • Lots of hands on fun!

The work experience process:

  • Learn and practice how to succeed in the workplace
  • Try out work experience opportunities
  • Prove yourself and turn it into employment!

Find out more (external link)

Site Safe Certificate

Complete your Site Safe Certificate over Virtual Reality in the Bay of Plenty.

Would you like to complete your Site Safe Certificate to better your chances of finding employment, or get hands on experience in a variety of careers using Virtual Reality?

Connected Bay of Plenty offers this service to you at no cost.

If you would like to know more on how you can access this opportunity or you would like to know how you can book a spot, please email: connected_bop@msd.govt.nz

Get your licence and improve your job opportunities

Are you having trouble passing your licence tests? Need some help?

www.drive.govt.nz (external site) is a fantastic free resource available to help you prepare for your learner, restricted or full driving licence test. It can also help friends/family that are supporting you to be better instructors. We know how difficult it can be with license testing and we want to see the Bay of Plenty suceed, so check the latest offerings!

Learners Licence
The all important first step to getting behind the wheel. www.drive.govt.nz (external site) offers a free interactive road code and official practice tests so you will know when you are ready to ace your test.

Restricted/Full Licence
Free app and instructional videos so you can master the right skills (instead of your parents bad habits), prepare and know what to expect on test day.

If you have any questions about driver licence or you're wanting to chat to someone contact the team at connected_bop@msd.govt.nz

Financial capability

Do you need help to manage your personal finances? Study for a certificate in financial literacy.

Get the tools to plan for your future, save, manage your budget and learn from home with amazing resources and regular visits from a kaitiaki (support person).

You will learn about:

  • Setting goals and budgeting
  • Managing income
  • Spending
  • Managing debt
  • Saving and investing
  • Creating wealth and protecting assets
For more information (external link)

Choose your course

Whatever level you’d like to study at, you can find a course to suit you in the Bay of Plenty.

Click on the link below to find the field of study and type of qualification to interest you. Qualifications range from certificate level 1-3 to doctorates.

Find your course now (external link)
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One hour of free business advice

Build your business by building your knowledge.

The Tauranga Chamber of Commerce is offering new business owners, freelancers, sole traders and even social enterprises and not-for-profits access to one hour of free business advice.

Their business advisor can help you to understand how to get started, and what you need to be thinking about in the short and long term.

This service can help you with:

  • Entering self-employment for the first time
  • Starting a new business
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Using digital tools and techniques in your business
  • Business planning, and more.

Find out more and book an appointment (external link)

Your business and tax

Attend face to face seminars or webinars to guide you setting up your business correctly to meet your tax obligations.

Inland Revenue (IR) offers three practical sessions:

  • Starting a business? Introduction to Business offers information on the different ways to structure your business, expenses you can claim, and how income tax and provisional tax works.
  • Are you registered for GST or thinking of registering for GST? GST is to help you learn who needs to register for GST, what GST is charged on, what information must be recorded and how to send this to them, and ceasing your GST registration.
  • Are you employing? The Employers session covers who needs to register as an employer, and what information must be recorded and how to send it to IR.

With a choice of format, don't miss out and register today!

Check your options (external link)

Te Heke Mai

Te Heke Mai is a coaching programme providing support to anyone who is looking for work, in training or starting new jobs.

Through a handy app, friendly real-life coaches help you to set goals specific to your individual journey and support and coach you through your journey and towards achieving your goals.

Te Heke Mai is designed to mentor and help individuals grow the skills to manage life and work challenges.

To discuss further email hello@tehekemai.co.nz or Phone 0800 938474

Find out more (external link)

Drop-in or make an appointment to visit your local Connected centre to find out about how government agencies can help you find a job, training or business support.

Mount Maunganui

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
9 Owens Place
Bayfair
Mount Maunganui 3116

Rotorua

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
Ground Floor
1207 Pukuatua Street
Rotorua 3010

Whakatāne

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
24 Pyne Street
Whakatāne 3120

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