Shizuka from Japan. April 2006

Last November, I got a job as a caregiver in Rotorua with RELA’s help.

At first, I planned to go to a big city to join a volunteer program and after that I intended to apply for a job in a nursing home because my agent said that it was difficult to get a job by myself. However, I got a job!

David lectured about many things that I wanted to know, every Tuesday after school. He taught me about vocabulary and websites which are helpful for job hunting. David checked my CV and gave me an opportunity for talking with a Japanese woman who has experience of working holidays.
Gina showed me information about nursing homes in Rotorua and explained the special qualities of each.
Jan made contact with nursing homes and gave me information about vacant positions.
Robyn gave me job interview practice.

I have been working in a nursing home for three months. There are no Japanese staff so it's good experience for me. I'm a nurse in Japan so it might be an advantage but if you're interested in care for the aged, you can get a job or volunteer work because the nursing homes in New Zealand need talented people who can join them.

Actually, some of my RELA friends did volunteer work and another RELA friend got a job at the nursing home.

If you have a working holiday visa and want to work in Rotorua while you are in New Zealand, RELA can support you, not only with this kind of job. Let's enjoy our New Zealand working holiday!