Help and Support

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WINZ offers a comprehensive range of services to assist individuals on low incomes.

Mainstream Employment Programme:

Provides paid work experience for people with a health condition or disability. 

Job Support Funds:

Helps pay for extra costs related to employment, such as interpreters, specialist equipment, and transport. 

Work Readiness Support:

Includes workshops and practical advice for getting work, training, seminars, or work experience to build up confidence and skills.

Activity in the Community Projects:

Offers support and advice to community or voluntary organisations, helping people gain voluntary, unpaid experience. 

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EmployNZ provides a variety of training programmes designed to enhance employability:

Youth Programmes:

Includes courses in Wellbeing & Confidence, NCEA Levels 1 & 2, Health & Fitness, and Pre-employment training. 

IT and Technical Support Courses:

Offers NZQA-accredited courses in IT Technical Support and Systems Administration. 

Hospitality and Early Childhood Education:

Provides training in areas like café skills and early childhood education, leading to NZ Certificates. 

EmployNZ's Level 1 & 2 programmes are zero-fees for New Zealanders of all ages, funded by the government under the Youth Guarantees programme. 

Information on employment support programs for young people, Pacific people, and people with disability can be found on New Zealand Government website. 

Various community organisations offer tailored employment support. Find local employment support providers in your area on the Work and Income website HERE.

TIA helps pay for study-related costs, including tuition fees, books, childcare, equipment, transport, and additional caring costs. It's available for courses at levels 1–7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. 

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New Zealand citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for Fees Free study, covering tuition fees for up to 60 credits (one year of full-time study) at tertiary education providers.  

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Visionwest offers a free youth coaching service providing one-on-one mentoring and wraparound support, aiming to prepare young people (16–17 years old) for long-term employment. 

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Youth Inspire, based in Lower Hutt, focuses on engaging young people under 25 in meaningful employment, training, or education, offering programmes like the Youth Employability Programme and supporting the attainment of microcredentials. 

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Based in Rotorua, the Digital Natives Academy offers free training in digital and creative tech, including coding, robotics, animation, and game development. The academy provides access to high-spec technology and aims to equip young people with skills for the future. 

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Edvance collaborates with community organisations to design and deliver NZQA-accredited programmes that enhance health, wellbeing, employability, and social participation. Their courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of diverse communities 

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Open Polytechnic offers a range of zero fees programmes to make study in these areas as accessible as possible to those who need it. These programmes are free for domestic learners who meet the entry requirements and have not already completed a similar or related qualification at a higher level.

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A number of tertiary institutions offer Foundation and Bridging courses. New Zealand Certificates in Foundation and Bridging are designed to assist people engaging or re-engaging with learning to prepare them for more advanced education and skilled employment. These courses may include credits towards obtaining NCEA Level 3.

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