Top 10 reasons to work and live in Auckland

Why choose Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for your next career and lifestyle upgrade?

1. It’s an urban oasis 

Our unique setting gives you the best of both worlds — a vibrant urban centre offering world-class dining, shopping, arts, culture, entertainment and amenities, encircled by harbours, islands, forests, beaches and parks. Whether it’s exhilarating adventures, an after-work picnic at the beach, cocktails at a rooftop bar, or giving the children a run around at your local park, an unbeatable lifestyle awaits in Auckland. 

2. Get a balanced lifestyle 

The Auckland lifestyle is all about balance. We work hard but we also know it’s important to get out there and enjoy life, whether that’s relaxing in nature, jumping into the region’s many adventure activities, or exploring our vibrant arts, music, culture and dining. We also value time spent with friends and family and on personal hobbies and interests, from local sports teams to volunteering. 

3. Find great tech careers 

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s tech industry is really taking off. With 4300 new tech jobs expected over the next five years, career opportunities are opening up across a range of roles and sub-sectors, including aerospace, gaming, fintech, cleantech, agritech and healthtech. Interested? Check out our tech community and start your job search.    

4. It’s safe, friendly and welcoming 

New Zealanders are renowned for being down-to-earth and friendly, and Auckland welcomes newcomers in the traditional Māori spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality and generosity). Consistently ranked one of the world’s most liveable cities, in one of the world’s most peaceful countries, Auckland offers a safe and welcoming environment with a low crime rate, stable political system, a strong belief in human rights, and first-rate healthcare and education — giving you and your family (or future family) peace of mind.  

5. We’re a global economic hub 

Home to around one third of the population, Auckland is New Zealand’s economic hub and biggest city. The majority of the country’s largest corporations and multinationals are based here, across a huge range of industries from tech to engineering. New Zealand is ranked one of the easiest places in the world to do business, and Auckland’s size and location provide the city with strong connections to key international markets. The international airport services regular flights to cities across the globe, so it’s easy to stay connected to friends and family back home.  

6. You’ll be working for innovative employers 

As a young city with a thirst for knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit, Auckland businesses embrace innovation and creativity. From start-ups like MACSO Technologies to leading organisations like Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, employers value fresh perspectives and ideas, giving you the chance to contribute to exciting projects, while dedicated innovation and tech hubs such as GridAKL provide opportunities to connect and collaborate. Meet some of our leading tech employers here and find out how they’re making their mark on the world.  

7. We embrace diversity and inclusivity 

Auckland is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, with more than 200 ethnicities making up our population of 1.72 million. Around 40 per cent of Aucklanders were born overseas, which means you’ll often find fellow migrants from your own part of the world, which can make it easier to settle into your new home. Inclusivity and equality are highly valued, including embracing our LBGTQIA community, as is freedom of opportunity regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or religion. 

8. Connecting to nature is a breeze 

Auckland’s beautiful, diverse landscapes give you room to move and space to breathe. With 3700 kilometres of coastline, hundreds of beaches, and over 4000 public parks, it’s easy to connect with nature. Explore the idyllic islands of the Hauraki Gulf, soak in the views from our volcanic cones, and walk through pristine native bush, surrounded by birdsong. 

9. Our workforce is young and skilled 

Auckland has a young, skilled, and highly educated population. The average age is 35 years old, and more than 34 per cent of adult Aucklanders hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The city’s large migrant population contributes significantly to the depth of knowledge across skilled roles. Auckland is also home to three internationally ranked universities and 179 research and development (R&D) institutes. 

10. Auckland’s industries are growing and green 

Auckland’s industries – including creative and tech industries — continue to grow year on year. The city is home to 112 of the country’s top 200 tech companies, and creative industries employ more than 57,000 people — half the country’s creative workforce. Auckland’s move towards a circular economy has the potential to add $6.3–$8.8 billion to our GDP by 2030, and the city has a target of net zero emissions by 2050, moved along by innovative businesses such as ZeroJet, which creates cutting-edge greentech for our world-renowned marine industry.  

Find out more about working and living in Auckland, from practical tips on visas and jobs to first-hand experiences from migrant tech workers who’ve enriched their careers and their lifestyle by making the move.