Adjusting my CV
I started off by adapting my CV to fit the New Zealand employer needs. This was key to getting my applications even considered by the countless companies I sent my CV to.
You must realise that New Zealand employers often don't understand or care about what your grades are, just that you achieved the qualification or not. I figured not to clog up my CV by gloating my GCSE and A-level results (not that they were all that impressive), and it was better off to show I graduated from school and passed my exams; especially Maths and English.
New Zealand employers prefer a to the point CV. Get across your key skills, and make your work experience (anything is useful so just put it down, it's better than empty) the primary section of your CV.
Finding work
I applied for jobs across North Island, planning to move wherever I could manage securing a job. Funnily enough I got one email back from no less than 30 applications, from a hotel in the bay of islands, which was the same place my friend I was staying with also heard back from. Must have been desperate, I guess.
I arrived in New Zealand in September, when the busy tourist summer was just beginning to pick up. So bare that in mind when you move out there, the seasonal fluctuations massively effect what type of work is available and what sectors are at a peak or a low for employability. The North Island gets very with tourists during the summer months, as the heat and beaches attract the old folk. This spikes the hospitality industry, and therefore the demand for seasonal workers. This is perfect for us. I planned a year in New Zealand, so I only wanted to stay in the same place for a maximum of 3 months. This suits the hotels, cafes and bars (to name a few), as they just want temporary additional staff to help the full timers during the peak season. This means lots of hours paired with busy and fun shifts; ideal.
My working experience
So I worked there on $24/hour; a very good wage for an 18-year-old with limited experience, picking up lots of shifts while still finding a couple days here and there to explore the beautiful scenery and life around me.
A standard day in my life as an 18-year-old living in New Zealand; Wake up early with the summer sun, spend my morning shift serving lots of British tourists, learning hospitality skills and having a laugh with my co-workers. Finish work around 2pm and do the 5-minute walk down to the beautiful beach. Chill out the rest of the day and probably have a few drinks at the local bar with a mix of travellers and locals.
Now I'm not going to be as naive to say that this is every WHV traveller's experience and life was always sunshine and rainbows (not because it never rained). Of course, there were low points and there were times I missed home, questioned what I was doing and if I had made a mistake. I also acknowledge that I got quite lucky with my experience, and it could have worked out a little less favourable. But it didn't. I believe my experience was a reward for the risk I took, and the right attitude helped me end up in what I now remember as some of the best months of my life. And it's not just me. The 2 other lads I lived with while job searching found work at a kiwi farm. They came to visit us after they finished their time at work and recanted fun stories from their time at work. And there are countless more. This is why people have done it. And still do it. If you approach the experience with a positive, make the best out of it attitude then you expose yourself to the possibility of similar experiences.
When the 3 months ended, my friend and I had saved up enough to buy a car and set off on a road trip of the entire north island. While this turned out to be a massive success as well, I now look back on those first 3 months as a pure highlight.
So, my advice would be to find work IN New Zealand, instead slugging hours out back home. However, everyone has their own situation so take from this what you want.
Additional information
Accommodation whilst working:
Ideally, finding employment that provides staff accommodation is a MASSIVE boost to your ability to save up funds during the 'working' part of your Working holiday visa. It's cheap. You also can bond more with your co-workers (and share lifts to work), and it's just simple. I have done both while working, and I'd take staff accommodation every time.
If you don't like your job:
Sebi (my mate I worked with) contemplated quitting the work strongly at one point. He stuck at it. Later, he was glad for the money and work life improved after a bit of time. This is not me saying to stick at a job you are not enjoying; a working holiday visa is too short to waste time doing that. There is no harm in scanning for alternative work but just see if you can stick a rough patch out first.