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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DCS

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 at the Mount Maunganui MSD/Connected Centre  on Thursdays by appointment.

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

Rotorua

When: Flexible with days and times
Where: Face to face or phone conversation - Location TBC once booking received
Request an appointment please email connected_rotorua@msd.govt.nz

Whakatāne

When: Flexible with days and times
Where: via face to face or phone conversation (Location tbc once appointment has been made)
Request an appointment please email: connected_ebop@msd.govt.nz

Rotorua Mahi Now Hiring Event

Let's keep Rotorua working. Explore a wide range of job opportunities available now

Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, this event is for you!

  • Explore a wide range of job opportunities
  • Connect with local employers
  • Gain insights into growing industries and career pathways
  • Network with professionals, mentors, and fellow job seekers
  • Learn about support services, training programs, and resources to boost your employability
  • Discover exciting employment prospects across various sector

Mark your calendars and join us at the Rotorua Mahi Now Hiring Event. Get ready to unlock your potential, seize job prospects, and embark on a new career journey.

When: Thursday 12 October, 10am – 1pm
Where: Novotel, Matariki Room. Lake end, Tutanekai Street, Rotorua

Tauranga community employment expo

Come and explore a wide range of job opportunities available in Tauranga.

Carve a path for your future! Get support while you job search, learn about employment, study and training all available in the Western BOP.

Have a chat with:

  • community agencies,
  • hiring employers, and
  • training and study providers.

Employers from retail, hospitality, horticulture, governement agencies looking for new employees will all be there.

When: Wednesday 11 October, 10am - 12.30pm
Where: Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, 71 Eleventh Ave, Tauranga (Cnr of Eleventh Ave and Devonport Road)

Bring your whānau and friends!

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, and
  • introduction to the connected.govt.nz website, and
  • 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

Employment, Education and Training webinar series

Hungry for learning? Looking for support? Or ready for your next job? We're here for you!

A dedicated Employment, Education and Training webinar for the Bay of Plenty region.

This is a series of webinars where we showcase local training, programmes and employment opportunities in the region as well as resources available to support your job search journey.

This webinar is hosted by Connected with support from local Work Brokers, Employers, Education and Training providers.

Register to attend an employment focused webinar:

Register to attend a Career Confidence webinar:

Find out more about one or more of the webinar series, email connected_bop@msd.govt.nz

Ōpōtiki Kiwifruit Hiring Day

Looking for work? Spring into Summer with a job in the Kiwifruit industry!

Here's your opportunity to meet with a range of employers in the kiwifruit industry looking for summer staff all under one roof.

  • Get support to land that job
  • Connect with a range of seasonal employers
  • Potentially move into permanent work
  • Use the VR Headsets to explore summer pruning and other different industries

Where? Memorial Park Pavilion, Ōpōtiki
When? Thursday 26 October, 10am - 12:30pm

For more information (external link)

Whakatāne Retail & Hospitality Job Fair

Explore a range of job opportunities in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism sectors!

Are you a returning student looking for work over the holidays?
Have you just graduated from your tertiary course, just finished school or are you a job seeker interested in working in the exciting Retail & Hospitality sector?

Here is the perfect chance for you to learn all about the different opportunities available and get a job in the industry!

  • Explore a wide range of job opportunities
  • Connect with local employers face to face
  • Get support to land that job
  • Learn about career pathways
  • Bring your CV - you might be offered a position or interview on the day
  • Spot prizes available

When: Wednesday 8 November, 10am-12:30pm
Where: Whakatāne War Memorial Hall – Short St

Contact
Kiwifruit

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)

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.
For more information (external link)

Barista trainee

Want to start your hospitality career?

A cafe and a bakery based in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are looking for a friendly and outgoing full-time barista. Some experience preferred but not essential as training will be provided.

You will be well-presented, reliable and flexible with availability to work 7am to 2pm over a 7-day roster.

You will be Front of house and the role includes:

  • serving customers
  • helping the lead barista make coffee
  • help keep the cafe clean and tidy
Sound interesting? (external link)

Painter and Decorator

Do you have an eye for perfection and creativity?

A Whakatāne based employer is seeking an experienced brush hand/painter to join their team.

The role will involve interior painting of residential properties and commercial buildings.
Applicants should be physically fit. Working hours will vary between 20-40 hours per week depending on demands.

Ideally, you will have minimum of a restricted class 1 license and have had similar work experience.

For more information (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)

Lawn Mower operator and gardener

Want to work outdoors and enjoy the sun?

This role offers variety in jobs and locations plus a great working environment.

It would be an advantage if you:

  • Can reverse with a trailer attached.
  • Have previous mowing and/or gardening experience, but is not essential.
Sound interesting? (external link)

Varied opportunities in Ōpōtiki District

If you’re interested in opportunities to work in the 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:

  • Kiwifruit packhouse jobs
  • Mussel openers
  • Truck drivers
  • Local government vacancies

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)
Learner licence

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

Site Safe Certificate – Bay of Plenty

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

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)

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)
Tax time

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)

One hour of free business advice

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.

The business advisor at Tauranga Chamber of Commerce can help you to understand how to get started, and what they need to be thinking about in the short and long term.

This service can help you with:

  • Entering self employment for the first time or starting a new business
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Using digital tools and techniques in your business
  • Business planning
  • Trouble-shooting business issues and challenges
  • Understanding finances such as tax, GST and cash flows
  • Various funding options; government and private
  • Innovation, R&D and protecting your business ideas
  • Finding specialist businesses/organisations that can help with the future growth and development of your business.

Find out more and book an appointment (external link)

Business Growth and Support Webinars

Digitally connecting you with business support and services available to all industry sectors across the Bay of Plenty.

The Bay of Plenty Business Growth and Support Virtual Conference is brought to you by Connected.govt.nz and DigitalBoost.co.nz, to connect you with business support and services available, to all industry sectors across the Bay of Plenty.

Listen in to as many webinars as you’d like, to hear about the offerings provided by the presenting agency.

  • Connected - Connecting you to support for your business  & Toi EDA - The economic development agency for the Eastern Bay of Plenty delivering sustainable opportunities that lead to thriving communities.
  • Employment.govt.nz - An introduction and update to your rights and responsibilities as an employer
  • Business.govt.nz - Tools and expert advice from government and industry, designed to help kiwi businesses
  • Te Puni Kōkiri - Support we can provide regarding skills and employment, building capability and capacity in your business
  • NZ Trade and Enterprise - Helping New Zealand Businesses to grow internationally
  • Tauranga Business Chamber - We empower local business by growing skills and capability. We believe by connecting local business owners with the right information and the right people at the right time, we’ll help you achieve your business goals.
  • Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce - Providing a voice for business the Eastern Bay Chamber is also a platform for business success and vitality
  • Rotorua Business Chamber - works with all business organisations and agencies by providing advocacy, support services and networking towards building a better business environment in its city
  • Priority One - Priority One is the Western Bay of Plenty region's economic development organisation. Our role is to grow a sustainable economy that improves productivity and delivers prosperity to local people and communities
  • RotoruaNZ - To improve the Rotorua economy and its ability to create employment, wealth and wellbeing for all of our people
  • Māori Women's Development Inc - Supporting wāhine Māori and their whānau in business
  • Amplify - Our vision is that Taupō is a vibrant and prosperous district, where both talent and business thrive
  • EMA - We support New Zealand organisations through business training courses, network support & business advocacy groups
  • Amotai - Unlocking opportunities for Māori and Pasifika businesses through supplier diversity
  • Ministry of Social Development - Recruitment assistance, workforce planning and financial support for upskilling new employees
  • Inland Revenue - Here to support you, whether you’re new to business or need some help to get on the right track
  • Digital Boost - Helping your business move into the digital world
Watch anytime (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

Whakatane

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

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