Full Breakdown
New Zealand Students Face Employment Challenges Amid Cost of Living Crisis
2/23/2026, 7:49:30 AM
Employment Landscape for Students
The Student Job Search organization, New Zealand’s largest government-funded employment service, has reported a significant shift in the job market for tertiary students and recent graduates. According to Chief Executive Saviker, while job vacancies have returned to pre-COVID levels, the nature of available work has changed dramatically. In the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, 49% of jobs listed were casual roles, with permanent full-time positions comprising only 2.5%. This shift has forced students to juggle multiple jobs instead of relying on a single stable part-time role.
Saviker emphasized the pressing need for a substantial increase in job availability, stating, “We need three or four times the volume of roles from 2019 to make up the hours students need to earn to live.” The current job market dynamics have created tensions between work and study, leading students to miss lectures or study sessions to fulfill work commitments. Many students feel compelled to remain in their studies due to financial constraints, as they cannot afford to lose access to student allowances and loans, which could have long-term repercussions on their educational and career trajectories.
Student Perspectives on Employment Struggles
Leaders from both Victoria University and Otago University Students’ Associations have voiced concerns regarding the difficulties students face in securing employment. Aidan Donoghue, president of the Victoria University Student Association, noted the limited number of part-time jobs that can accommodate university schedules, exacerbated by the loss of 10,000 jobs in Wellington. Daniel Leamy, president of the Otago University Student Association, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that economic conditions have made it increasingly challenging for students to find work in smaller cities.
Leamy remarked, “Students are competing against the odds,” as they face competition from more experienced job seekers. Saviker further pointed out that employers are increasingly opting to hire mid and senior-level employees, leaving students at a disadvantage in the job market.
Official Statements & Responses
Saviker has called on employers to recognize the potential of students as a valuable workforce, stating, “I’m constantly trying to remind employers that students are ready, willing, and they’re an incredible workforce.” She encourages students to remain persistent in their job search, suggesting that each application brings them closer to employment opportunities.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the current job market does not adequately support students, who are often forced to prioritize work over their studies. This situation raises concerns about the long-term impact on students' educational outcomes and overall well-being.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We need three or four times the volume of roles from 2019 to make up the hours students need to earn to live,” — Saviker, Chief Executive, Student Job Search
- “Students are competing against the odds,” — Daniel Leamy, President, Otago University Student Association
- “I’m constantly trying to remind employers that students are ready, willing and they’re an incredible workforce,” — Saviker, Chief Executive, Student Job Search
The challenges faced by students in New Zealand highlight the need for a more supportive employment landscape that accommodates their unique circumstances and allows them to balance work and study effectively.
