Canterbury

Find jobs, courses, business support and events in Canterbury, home to New Zealand’s digital city and largest agricultural region

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Free career advice

Are you looking for career advice?

Book a free one-on-one session with a qualified career expert who can guide you in:

  • looking and preparing for job opportunities
  • exploring study and training options
  • understanding your transferable skills
  • creating a personalised career plan

Online and phone appointments are available across the country. Contact us to find out about appointments available near you:

Linwood Connected Centre
When: Every Monday and Tuesday 
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 154 Aldwins Road

Linwood Library
When: Thursday
Where: Linwood Library, First Floor, Eastgate Mall, Buckleys Road

Request a booking: dianne.mcgregor@enact.kiwi.nz

Papanui
When: Monday and Thursday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 56 Langdons Road

Request a booking debbie.gray@proactive4health.co.nz

Rangiora
When: Wednesday and Friday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 4 High Street

Request a booking: hemali.shah@careerwave.co.nz

Hornby
When: Monday - Friday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 25 Shands Road

Request a booking: karen@careersavvy.co.nz

Sydenham
When: Monday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 39 Durham Street South

Request a booking: hemali.shah@careerwave.co.nz

When: Wednesday
Where: Connected Centre, Work and Income, 39 Durham Street South

Request a booking: dianne.mcgregor@enact.kiwi.nz

Hind Management careers information session

Are you interested in exploring careers in Hospitality for a renowned company building hotels? 

Join this session and learn about Hind Management, their renowned hotel brands, exciting job opportunities and the rewarding career pathways available in the Hospitality and Accommodation sector.

When: Wednesday 23 April, 12pm - 1pm
Where: Linwood Connected Centre - 154 Aldwins Road, Linwood

For queries email: connectedlinwood@msd.govt.nz 

Session on navigating a job application

Get tips and tricks directly from the Christchurch City Council recruitment team. 

At the session, you will be learning about:

  • tips and tricks on the shortlisting process
  • good CVs 
  • Artificial Intelligence - What to do and what not to do
  • roles available at the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, and more. 

When: Monday 5 May
Where: Sydenham Connected Site, 39 Durham Street, South Sydenham

Spaces are limited. To register and for more information email: connectedsydenham@msd.govt.nz

Neurodiversity & Employment event

Join us to explore neurodiversity in the workplace.

Hear from neurodiverse individuals sharing their employment experiences, as well as employers who are hiring or creating inclusive opportunities.

When: Wednesday 30 April, 5:15pm - 7pm
Where: Tūranga Library, TSB Room, Level 1 - 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City

For queries email: connectedhornby@msd.govt.nz

Ara drop-in session

Are you interested in exploring mid-year study at the Ara Institute of Canterbury?

Discover how to get the skills and qualifications you need for the job you want at this drop-in session organised by MSD with ARA Institute of Canterbury. 

Linwood
When: Wednesday 16 April,  12pm – 1pm
Where: 154 Aldwins Road, Linwood

Email connectedlinwood@msd.govt.nz to book your place.

Sydenham
When: Tuesday 29 April, 10am – 11am
Where: 39 Durham Street South Sydenham

Email connectedsydenham@msd.govt.nz to book your place.

Riccarton
When: Monday 12 May, 9am – 10am
Where: 51 Auburn Avenue, Riccarton
Email connectedsydenham@msd.govt.nz to book your place. 

 

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Work at the new Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre

Interested in working at New Zealand’s largest indoor sports centre?

Christchurch City Council is looking to fill approximately 200 positions at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, which is currently under construction on Moorhouse Ave.

They are looking for people who want to work in:

  • Events
  • Facility management
  • Customer service
  • Fitness and swimming instructors 
  • lifeguards
  • Multisensory facilitators and more
For more information (external link)

Timaru District Council jobs

Are you looking for employment in sunny South Canterbury?

Timaru District is a vibrant, innovative community at the heart of the South Island offering a growing economy, recreational opportunities, and quick commute. You will be supported by the Timaru District Council's diverse workforce focused on promoting the well-being of its communities.

You can check out their website to see what jobs are available. 

Explore (external link)

Selwyn District Council Jobs

Join Selwyn District Council who are making a positive difference for its residents. 

Selwyn District Council has roles available in everything from planning and consenting new developments to servicing new facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, parks and playgrounds and many more in-between. 

Click on the link below to check out vacancies available. 

Apply Online (external link)

Waimate jobs

Explore jobs in the beautiful district of Waimete. 

Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) in partnership with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is working to support you into employment that ranges from full-time, part-time, seasonal work, casual jobs, apprenticeships to volunteer vacancies.

Explore jobs (external link)

Work at McCain Foods Timaru

Are ready for an exciting new opportunity in the food processing industry?

McCain Foods is a Global business specialized in creating great tasting food for over 60 years. You will be joining a team that is guided by a purpose to bring enjoyment to people's lives through great tasting food, bringing sustainable growth and positive change.  

Click on the link below and follow the website for current vacancies. 

Explore available vacancies (external link)

Work at Alpine Energy South Canterbury

Would you like to work for an organisation that is committed to their people, culture and community?

Alpine Energy offers many different careers in a variety of fields. You will be working within an environment that promotes collaboration and productivity. 

Click on the link below to find about current vacancies available. 

Explore available vacancies (external link)

University of Canterbury Jobs

Be part of a world-class organisation that aims at providing holistic education. 

At UC, you will have more than just a job with a range of benefits and support during your time working here. UC is committed to supporting the holistic wellbeing and professional development of its staff members.

Current vacancies range from Advisor roles, technician and teaching jobs. 

Explore jobs (external link)

More Canterbury jobs

Looking for other work? Check out Work and Income’s recruitment website Kimi Mahi Mai.

Kimi Mahi Mai, 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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Bros For Change

Gain new skills and be empowered. 

An intensive 16-Week wānanga designed to empower rangatahi tanga (young men) aged 15-24. The purpose of Bros for Change is to give young people who have been labelled, a second chance to create real change through real talk with real people. Here you will be involved in:

  • Mahinga kai
  • Learning about the environment & conservation
  • Māori performing arts through kapa haka, learning Te Reo Maori, Karakia, and hīmene
  • Hauora (health and wellbeing) sessions and physical training
  • Reality therapy and Workplace readiness training
  • Wānanga on the marae and overnight camps (at least three per course)

Duration: Tuesday to Thursday (for 16 weeks), 8:45am – 3pm
Location: 132 Wainoni Road, Avondale, Christchurch 8061

Register today (external link)

Taking the First Step Course

Free confidence, well-being and pre-employment course for women.

Taking the First Step is running their course during the term from Wednesday - Friday from 9.30am – 2.30pm over a period of 4 weeks.

This is a confidence building and pre-employment course for women, that can help you:

  • discover your strengths and value
  • build confidence and self-esteem
  • develop skills to help you take the next step towards your future.

When: 3 days a week, over 4 weeks from Wednesday – Friday, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Level 1, 242 Ferry Road, Waltham, Christchurch

Express your interest (external link)

Reconnect for Positive Change Programme

A 3 Day Programme to empower job seekers and teach life skills. 

The Kiwi Family Trust is providing useful tools and easy-to-learn techniques to encourage positive thinking. You will be learning about the right steps or action points to apply positivity in life and move towards success. 

When: Tuesday 22 April, Wednesday 23 April and Thursday 24 April, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Where: Rangiora (venue will be advised once you have registered)

Cost: $240 (incl. GST)

Email barb@kiwifamilytrust.org to register.

NZMA Youth Guarantee programmes

Study for free and move towards a brighter future with government funded courses.

If you're not sure what to do, take the first step with a Level 2 Foundation course or one of NZMA excellent Level 3 courses. 
If you are aged 16-24, the Youth Guarantee scheme gives you the chance to study free for up to one year. Courses include:

  • Foundation Skills (Level 2)
  • Certificate in Sport Recreation and Exercise (Level 3)
  • Certificate in Hospitality - Cafe and Function Services (Level 3)
  • Health and Wellbeing Introduction (Level 3) 
  • Certificate in Pre-Police and Uniformed Services Training (Level 3)

Enrol now or contact NZMA to find out more about these courses and your eligibility.

Find out more (external link)

SIT Youth Guarantee courses

The Youth Guarantee courses provide a pathway from school to further study, work or training.

SIT Christchurch has a limited number of spaces available on the Youth Guarantee courses, and applications should be sent as early as possible before courses begin.

AT SIT, you will have access to a wide range of learning opportunities and free training and education (tuition, course materials and equipment) for one year.

Youth Guarantee courses available in Christchurch include: 

  • Collision Repair and Automotive Refinishing (commences February)
  • Construction Trade Skills (commences January, February and October)
  • Electrical Pre-Trade (commences February and July)
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (commences March)
  • NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (commences February)
Find out more (external link)

LineTrust South Canterbury Scholarship Fund

Are you interested in a career in the electrical industry?

Do you dream about making a difference in the electricity distribution industry?

LineTrust South Canterbury are encouraging the potential of future innovators and individuals interested in the electricity industry. 

The scholarship will support students studying:

  • Computer Science 
  • Mathematics
  • Data analytics
  • Electronic or electrical engineering
  • Sustainability
  • Master of Science, or similar disciplines.

Applications close September each year.

Find out more (external link)

Learn Te Reo Māori for free

Are you a beginner in Te Reo or know some already, these courses can help you learn and grow in the Māori language.

This year, all five levels of Māori language courses at Ara Institute of Canterbury are free. 

The courses are taught by passionate and experienced Māori language teachers, and can be studied full-time over 19 weeks or part-time over a year. 

The only cost is a small compulsory student levy. All five levels start in February so apply now!

Find out more (external link)

Pre-Professional Programmes

Take the next step with one of Hagley's tertiary pathway Level 3 programmes.

Are you finishing high school and planning to continue your education. At Hagley, pre-professional courses are a next step beyond school to prepare students for entry into a variety of professional tertiary programmes within a nurturing environment.

Programmes range from health to design courses. 

Contact Hagley College at 03 379 3090 to enrol.

Find out more (external link)

Teaching and Early Childcare Programmes

Study at Te Rito Maioha that is committed to delivery of world-class childhood education.

With 60 years of experience, Te Rito Maioha has helped grow skilled skilled teachers across the motu. You can explore a variety of diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are on offer in the following fields:

  • Montessori Pasifika
  • Home-based Care
  • Teaching
  • Education, and more. 
Find out more (external link)

Choose your course

Whatever level you’d like to study at, you can find a course to suit you in Canterbury.

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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Business Buddies

Have you considered working with a business mentor? 

With a mentor you can step outside the day-to-day running of your business to take a look at your business as a whole.

Business Buddies is a new mentoring service established by The South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce where you can be matched with someone who is experienced in commercial aspects of business operations and ownership.

Find out more and register (external link)

Free online business start-up course

Exploring starting a new small business in North Canterbury?

Enterprise North Canterbury have developed a free online course that is accessible 24 hours per day and in bite-sized chunks so that you can learn at your own pace. It is packed with resources, advice, videos and useful links and will take you step by step through the process of getting started.

Explore more and register (external link)

Business Canterbury - Connect After 5

Connect with other local business owners at CA5 events, hosted by members for members.

Register today to spend quality time building relationships with other members and be part of bringing the Canterbury business community together.

When: Wednesday 30 April, 5:30pm - 7pm
Where: Cambridge Partners, The Christchurch Club, 154 Worcester Street, Christchurch

Cost: Free (members only)

Register Today (external link)

Start-Up Guidance

Discover a free hub for business resources.

Business but Better is a free hub for business resources, created by ethical entrepreneur Brianne West. Here you can gain digital membership and entry into an active community of mission-led brands who want to sell out (without selling out).

You will receive guidance and resource towards starting up or growing a business that is financially sustainable.

Discover more (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!

Follow for upcoming events (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.

Hornby

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
25 Shands Road
Hornby
Christchurch 8042

Linwood

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
154 Aldwins Road
Linwood
Christchurch 8011

Papanui

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
56 Langdons Road
Papanui
Christchurch 8053

Sydenham

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
39 Durham Street,
Christchurch

Rangiora

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
4 High Street
Rangiora 7400

Timaru

MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
14 Strathallan Street
Timaru 7910

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