Published Date: 3rd September 2025
Interested in landing a government job in Wellington? If you’re a recent graduate or early-career professional, perhaps you’ve thought about a career path in Aotearoa’s public service. For those keen to make a difference, working in the public service is one of the most rewarding careers out there. However, what if your next job requires a relocation?
Working with graduates from around New Zealand this year, I’ve been asked this question a lot. Having moved to Wellington for work myself, and hearing from others who’ve made the move, here’s what you should know.
Should you Move to Wellington without a Job Offer?
Making the move without a job lined up can feel risky, but it’s doable, especially in the public service, where graduate programmes and entry-level roles open throughout the year. Being in Wellington gives you an advantage.
When you’re already here, you can attend networking events, meet recruiters face-to-face (like our Wellington team at Beyond Recruitment), and show hiring managers you’re serious about building a career here. There’s still a mix of online and in-person first interviews, but by the time you reach preferred candidate stage, it’s rare not to have met your hiring manager in person.
That said, do your homework. Check that your skills are in demand, keep an eye on job ads, and test the waters by applying before you move. Start laying foundations early by:
Reach out to people in your network who are already based in Wellington.
Attend virtual events or webinars hosted by Wellington-based organisations.
Follow and engage with government departments and policy teams on LinkedIn.
Ask your university careers service if they have alumni contacts in Wellington.
Above all, have a plan. Relocation comes down to your financial situation, so budget carefully, set aside enough for rent and living costs (see some tips about that below) and use those first few weeks to network, apply, and get settled.
Focus on making New Connections
Connections are your greatest asset when entering the public service. Be proactive with face-to-face networking by attending graduate career events, talks and seminars. Getting out there can also help you gain more of an insider’s understanding of public service roles and the current priorities that departments are dealing with.
Whether you have a job offer or not, the key is to put yourself out there and make the effort. Working in the public sector in a policy or government advisory role is often collegial and collaborative. It’s easy to strike up conversations and get to know people.
A great way to get your foot in the door is via temping or taking a short-term or temporary job. For many people, this can be a stepping stone to a permanent role as well as being an excellent way to build your skills and experience. Check out these tips for being a great temporary worker.
Join social sports teams, do the puzzle at the shared lunch table, introduce yourself to people who seem open to chatting in communal spaces. Look for people on the same page as you at professional development sessions. Connect both inside and outside your organisation.
And if you’re already in Wellington, reach out to recruiters like us at Beyond Recruitment. We know hiring teams and can introduce you to decision-makers. The more people who know your name, the more likely you'll be top of mind when a role opens.
Transitioning from Graduate Life to Full-Time Work
When starting a new public service role in Wellington, you might need time to adjust to a new daily rhythm, especially if you’re coming directly from university or casual work.
Balancing deadlines and stakeholder expectations in public service jobs can be quite different to what you’ve been used to. Always be prepared to take notes and get clarity on terms and acronyms you don’t understand. Focus on building a personal routine and planning your week, so you can set learning goals and work priorities, along with fitting in your personal life.
It also helps to lean into early-career learning programs or graduate-entry orientations your department or agency offers. The graduate policy programmes offered by several central government ministries are very supportive of candidates relocating from around New Zealand. The feedback we hear from graduates joining these cohort-style recruitment rounds is overwhelmingly positive. You’re in the same boat as other colleagues, which makes a big difference.
Remember to give yourself permission to feel inexperienced. It’s part of the journey! We’ve all started from somewhere.
Adapting to Public Sector Work Culture
Working in government has its own pace. On one hand, there is the formality you would expect from, like official templates, approval processes and communication protocols.
But the public service is, at its heart, a collaborative working environment. Relationships are deeply important and the key to making a positive impact, in any role. Learning the balance between sticking to protocols and building rapport with colleagues is key. (For more insight into public service work, read our guide to the daily work life of a policy advisor in Wellington.)
Take time to understand how decisions are made, who’s the gatekeeper for what, and when it’s appropriate to escalate something. Observe how teams manage feedback and their approach to considering te ao Māori perspectives in decision making processes. These things matter more here than in most private-sector roles. Show humility, demonstrate respect for tikanga, and actively listen. Developing these soft skills can set you up for a rewarding lifelong career in the public service.
Cost-of-Living Budgeting Tips
Like any other major city, living costs in Wellington can add up without good budgeting. However, there are good options for making it work.
Share housing costs. The average weekly rent in Wellington is $589.House shares in suburbs like Petone or Lower Hutt can be more affordable. There are varied housing options, from central CBD apartment living to suburban flats, so it’s worth considering all types of options.
Plan your meals. Buy budget ranges or from local markets and plan meals ahead; bring lunch to the office.
Use public transport. Wellington is a wonderfully compact city with excellent public transport. People are often surprised by how easy it is to get around. Look for ways to commute by bike, train, bus, or even scooter instead of driving.
Track your spending. Use a personal budgeting app or even a spreadsheet. Reviewing your budget on a monthly basis can help you juggle your finances much easier than winging it.
Enjoying all that Wellington has to offer
Wellington isn’t just a hub for government jobs. It’s a lively, creative city in its own right, one that’s uniquely suited to graduate life.
Immersing yourself in the local life of Wellington is the best way to make the most out of your experience – and make Wellington your forever home, if you so choose.
It’s a city built for exploring, from walks along Oriental Bay and coffee mornings on Cuba Street, to catching a show at Circa or discovering new exhibitions at Te Papa. Whether you’re into hiking (Mount Victoria), foodie culture (try a burger during “Wellington on a Plate” and dine out at festivals like Cuba Dupa), or weekend markets (Harbour-side Farmers’ Market), Wellington has plenty of opportunities for enjoying your personal time and making new connections.
Guidance and Support for your Public Service Journey
Starting your public-service career in Wellington is a big step, but this can be a pathway to an amazing career journey. With thoughtful planning, a willingness to connect with people (and an open mind), you’ll find Wellington an enjoyable place to live and work.
Put these skills to use! Surround yourself with the right support for your career and job searchrecruitment transition, and long-term career development expertise. For temporary, fixed-term and permanent government job opportunities in Wellington, get in touch with mein the Government & Policyteam at Beyond Recruitment.
