Information for applicants
Find comprehensive instructions for job applicants at University of Waikato. Learn how to apply and join our dynamic team.
Stage 1 – Apply
If you want to be part of our team, you first have to apply for a position. Here’s how you get started.
Our continuing and fixed term positions are advertised via our vacancy portal and you will need to formally apply for these online with a CV of your experience and cover letter explaining why you believe you are suited to the position.
These instructions can guide you through that process.
From time to time the University will use recruitment agencies to source candidates on our behalf. In this instance your application will be submitted to us directly by the agency for our consideration.
In line with New Zealand immigration regulations, it is the responsibility of the applicant/appointee (if s/he does not have New Zealand or Australian citizenship or New Zealand permanent residence) to obtain the appropriate New Zealand or Australian Immigration Service approval to work in New Zealand.
In the case of continuing appointments or appointments of more than five years, permanent residency will be required. For fixed-term appointments of five years or less a work permit or work visa leading to a work permit will be required. Further information on New Zealand immigration policy.
- Shortlisting notification - If you are successfully shortlisted for an interview, you will be contacted directly (in most cases by phone) to make the arrangements. If you are unsuccessful in reaching this stage, you will receive an email notification from the University.
- Interview process - As a rule at least one interview will be conducted with an appointment/interview panel. This may be an online or in-person interview depending on the position and location of the candidate. If you are required to travel from out of town to an interview with us, we will contact you to help make the arrangements (including flights and accommodation) as necessary.
For some positions, such as academic positions, a presentation or mini lecture will be included as part of the interview process. Assessments or work-based testing may also be required. The details of these will be discussed when you are contacted for the interview. - Support person – You may request to bring a support person to your interview, although they may not speak for you. Please let us know in advance, particularly if you are bringing a whānau support group, so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
If you are our preferred candidate there are some routine checks we must do before an offer can be made.
- Reference checks - We will complete reference checks for our preferred candidate. You will be asked to provide contact information for your current or most recent employer as well as two other referees. We can only do these with your permission. If you are unable to provide referee details, then we will discuss this with you at the time we request these.
- Immigration checks – You will be asked to provide evidence of your immigration visa status to ensure we can legally offer you a position. View New Zealand immigration policy for more information.
- Criminal history and police vetting checks – As part of the online application you will be asked to provide consent to the University obtaining a criminal history check. This is only undertaken if you are being offered the position and we will contact you regarding what is required for this.
For some positions more detailed police vetting checks may be required. This will be discussed with you through the interview process and the requirements confirmed when we are ready to make an offer. - Qualification checks – If you are offered a position, you will be required to produce original (or certified copies) of relevant academic or professional qualifications.
Stage 2 – Offer
Only the People & Capability Division has authority to commit the University on appointment and employment matters and all such commitments are confirmed in writing. The University reserves the right to make appointments by invitation. Offers are made subject to the successful applicant having the right to work in New Zealand or gaining it within a reasonable time, along with the successful fulfilment of any pre-employment checks undertaken.
Please read our current employment agreements that set out contractual terms and conditions of employment at the University of Waikato.
For certain continuing positions, we may offer assistance for you to relocate to take up the position you have been offered if you are resident outside the area in which the relevant campus is located. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, but may include:
- Travel – Arrangements for the direct economy class air fare for an eligible appointee and agreed members of an immediate family (partner and dependent children) and for surface travel at each end of the journey. If the mileage allowance for car travel exceeds an air fare then the air fare equivalent will be paid. Mileage is reimbursed at rates determined by the NZ Inland Revenue Department.
- Removal / freight of goods assistance – This will be discussed and the value of assistance agreed in writing on a case-by-case basis as part of the terms of appointment. We do not pay insurance, storage, customs import duty or other charges unless by special agreement in writing, and do not take responsibility for relocation costs incurred in excess of the amounts agreed.
To assist with this process we have an agreement with Crown Worldwide Movers who, at our request, will initiate contact with the appointee and broker two or three quotes for the cost of removal. Acceptance of a quotation is at the discretion of the University. - Settling-in expenses including immigration – We will contribute to the costs of interim accommodation which normally comprises half motel costs (or broadly equivalent assistance) excluding meals to a maximum of three weeks.
In addition, we will make a limited contribution to immigration expenses for appointees who need to obtain the right to permanent residence in New Zealand; in this case appointees will be reimbursed to a maximum of NZ$1500. We recognise that this does not cover the full costs in many cases. - Expense reimbursement - Evidence of payment is needed to support any requests for reimbursement. Originals of receipts are required.
- Resignation – Where an appointee who has been financially assisted with travel and relocation expenses resigns within two years of starting work at our University you be required to refund the full amount of travel, removal and settling-in expenses. An appointee who resigns during the third year will be required to refund one third of the expenses.
If you are considering a move to join us then New Zealand Immigration maintains very useful information about living in New Zealand, including our health and school systems.
Please also read our Why Work at Waikato? pages for information about our University and our campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga.
Stage 3 – Commence
Congratulations on your successful appointment to join our team.
Your new manager will have an onboarding and induction plan for your first day/week/month, but ahead of that you will be asked to upload the following to help us get you “system ready”:
- Signed acceptance offer letter
- Tax code (IR330)
- Bank account
- ID photo
- Superannuation form.
From our University onboarding programme at your commencement through to annual objective and goal setting, we support our staff to grow. A range of opportunities, including professional development programmes, study of University papers, upskilling in digital technologies and academic study leave are available. Your manager or our People & Capability team can provide information on these.
We ask all staff to complete an annual appraisal which includes objective setting that is aimed at achieving our core business objectives.
We also have annual merit-based processes for salary review and promotion tailored to our academic and professional positions.
Your new manager will talk you through these processes as part of your onboarding.