CBD
Mike B
- Writing Content Creation
- Software development
- Graphic design
- Copywriter
- Software engineer/web developer
- Digital marketing consultant
- Social media manager
- SEO specialist
- Media buyer
- Photographer/videographer
- Web designer
- JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Web development is still one of the most in-demand jobs in the freelancing markets
- Web App Development
- WordPress Design & Development
- Project Management
- Cloud Computing
- Data Science & Analysis
- Administrative Assistance
- Consulting
- Photography & Videography
- Social Media Manager & Community Manager
- Virtual Assistant
Ultimate Guide to Freelancing in New Zealand in 2024
What is a Freelancer in New Zealand?
A freelancer is an independent worker in New Zealand who earns a living working for different businesses or organisations on a flexible per-job or per-task basis, typically for short-term work.
New Zealand is quickly becoming an attractive destination for freelancers from all over the world. The country offers an excellent work life balance, combined with the benefits of working remotely. One of the primary advantages of being a freelancer in New Zealand is that there are no laws limiting the number of hours a freelancer can work. This means that freelancers are able to work as many or as few hours per week as they desire. This is great for those who want to balance other commitments, such as family or education, with their professional lives. Additionally, since remote work is increasingly accepted, freelancers in New Zealand are able to work from almost anywhere. This makes it particularly convenient for those who are looking to travel and work at the same time. Another benefit of being a freelancer in New Zealand is that there is no income tax on freelance earnings. This allows freelancers to put more money towards their personal investments or savings, while still having the financial security that comes with having steady income. In addition to the financial benefits, New Zealand also offers an excellent quality of life. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, great outdoor activities, and easy access to the ocean or mountains. There is also a strong culture of respect between colleagues which makes it a great place for freelancers to network and find potential clients. Finally, since New Zealand is generally a very safe place to live, freelancers can enjoy a good work-life balance. Whether it’s spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, or exploring new places, there are plenty of activities to keep busy and keep stressed levels low when living in New Zealand. Overall, New Zealand is an excellent option for freelancers. With the freedom to work as much or as little as you want, the lack of income tax, the excellent quality of life, and the strong work-life balance, freelancers can enjoy the benefits that come with the freelance lifestyle.
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Gigs
What are the benefits of Self-Employment in New Zealand?
Freelance jobs are typically work paid by the hour, day or month. Whereas per task work, or per project outcome is usually paid on satisfactory completion of the work task, or tasks. These tasks are commonly referred to as freelance gigs.
New Zealand offers a lot of opportunities for self-employment, particularly freelancing and remote work. For a New Zealand freelancer specifically, there are several major benefits. The most appealing benefit of self-employment in New Zealand is the tax savings. As a freelancer, you will be able to deduct expenses from your income, thus allowing you to pay less tax than you would as an employee. As a non-resident freelancer, you may also be eligible to pay taxes at a flat rate of 28%. This is much lower than the top rate of 33% applied to individuals that would normally be paying their income tax. Another key benefit of self-employment in New Zealand is the flexibility involved. As a freelancer, you can choose your own hours, working days, and rates. This makes it easier to fit work around other commitments such as family, hobbies, and studies. Freelancers also don’t need to worry about managerial oversight or office politics, allowing them to focus entirely on their work. As an added incentive, the New Zealand government provides several grants and tax incentives specifically for self-employed individuals. For instance, there is the Self-Employment Assistance Programme, which provides training, mentorship, and funding to support individuals that have chosen to become self-employed. In terms of work opportunities for freelancers living in New Zealand, there are plenty available. Freelancers can find remote work in a variety of industries, from accounting and legal work to web design and copywriting. Freelancers in New Zealand can also take advantage of any number of online services, such as Upwork and Fiverr, to find jobs for people living both in and outside New Zealand. In addition to the variety of work opportunities available, there is also a growing need for freelancers that are experts in digital marketing, search engine optimisation, and web development in New Zealand. As more businesses embrace digital technology, the demand for freelancers with these skillsets is only likely to increase. Overall, self-employment in New Zealand has a lot of attractive benefits, making it an attractive option for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a freelancer. With plenty of available work opportunities, flexible hours, and financial incentives, freelancing in New Zealand can be a rewarding and lucrative career path.
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Jobs
Find & Hire Freelancers in New Zealand?
The rise of freelance work has accelerated the gig economy movement, especially the online marketplaces associated with the gig economy and Future of Work.
New Zealand provides a lot of opportunities for freelance jobs and freelance gigs. It has a competitive labour market, and some of the most sought after and highly paid freelance jobs and gigs in New Zealand include: 1. Web & Graphic Design – This is one of the most popular freelance gigs in New Zealand, with rates ranging from NZ$22 - NZ$60 per hour. 2. SEO & Digital Marketing – SEO and digital marketing are both popular fields among freelance professionals in New Zealand, with rates between NZ$25 and NZ$85 per hour. 3. Copywriting & Content Writing – Copywriting and content writing are also in high demand in New Zealand, with rates ranging from NZ$20 to NZ$60 per hour. 4. Video & Animation Production – Video and animation production are highly sought after, and freelancers in New Zealand often command rates of between NZ$35 and NZ$125 per hour. 5. Technical Writing & Documentation – Technical writers and documentarians are often in high demand and can make NZ$20 - NZ$100 per hour. 6. Software Development & Programming – Software development and programming are expected to be some of the most in-demand fields for the foreseeable future. Freelancers in this field usually receive rates around NZ$30 - NZ$120 per hour. 7. Photography & Videography – Photography and videography are other fields in high demand,with freelancers in New Zealand commanding rates of between NZ$25 - NZ$150 per hour. 8. Business Consulting & Infographic Design – Companies often seek out experienced business consultants and infographic designers, with rates usually ranging from NZ$30 - NZ$130 per hour. 9. Audio & Music Production – Audio and music production is another increasingly popular freelance job, with rates ranging from NZ$15 - NZ$90 per hour. 10. Strategising & Coaching – Strategizing and coaching are becoming increasingly popular amongst freelancers, with rates typically ranging from NZ$20 - NZ$90 per hour.
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Promote
What are popular Freelancing roles in New Zealand?
Marketing
- Publicist
- Digital Marketer
- Social Media Marketer
- Product Manager
- Marketing Strategist
- SEO Expert
- Advertising Executive
- Communications Expert
- Media Executive
- Journalist
Information Technology
- Ecommerce Expert
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- Software Engineer
- IT Consultant
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Cloud Architect
- Big Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Project Manager
Creative
- Content Creator
- Copywriter
- Writer
- Creative Director
- Art Director
- Animator
- Video Producer
- Graphic Designer
- UI/UX Designer
- Photographer
Wondering what the process is to start freelancing in New Zealand?
Identify and embrace your niche
Identify your current skillset and where your passion lies. Most freelancers are experienced professionals with numerous years of experience working professionally in a permanent position but looking to become self-employed and a master of their own destiny.
Focus on your freelance skills strengths and weaknesses
Research the capabilities expected of a freelancer within your area of expertise and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you with your personal development plan and billable pay rate.
Ensure you have all the appropriate equipment
Common checklist for freelancers include: Home Office: Comfortable office desk & chair. Printer/scanner. Mobile devices. Fast & reliable internet. Cloud products for storage. Software products to help you complete your work
Create A Portfolio
Build a portfolio of your work you can showcase to prospective clients. This can be publicly viewable on the internet, or accessible on permission, depending on the nature of your work.
Getting Started - Finding the best Jobs & local or remote Clients in NZ
Getting started begins with finding new clients. How can this be achieved? Where can freelancers find new customers? Start by going to dedicated meetups. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date. Network, network, network! Update your promote profile on gigexchange.com. Use online freelancing platforms and apply for freelancing jobs and freelance gigs.
Try Freelancing Part-Time or as a Side Hustle
If you are just starting out and testing the water for freelancing. Then working part-time of as a side hustle is perfect for understanding whether you enjoy freelancing. What kind of rate to charge and how successful you are. Freelancing on the side can be completed on evenings and weekends, outside of your primary job and it will also help bring in some extra income too.
Find The Right Freelance Platform in New Zealand
With so many freelancer websites and freelancing apps to choose from, we have listed the top 5 Freelance Platforms in New Zealand below:
Top 5 Freelance Platforms in New Zealand
Upwork
- Type: Marketing, Software, Design
- Pros: Secure pay, Large market share
- Cons: Lengthy selection process, High service fees (client & worker)
Upwork is the largest freelancing website that connects clients and freelancers all across the world.
The web app provides a large range of skills and categories, from web and software development to marketing and accounting.
Clients and freelancers have multiple ways to connect – clients can choose to advertise a job and hire talent or buy a predefined service from the project catalog.
Whereas freelancers can access the job board and offer a service to sell.
To get started as a freelancer on Upwork, first create a profile.
Upwork has a sliding commission scale, rewarding the more you work, the less money you pay. The commission fee starts from 20% for the first bill of $500 and gradually reduces as you receive more money.
Payment withdrawal, includes direct transfer, PayPal, and wire transfer.
Freelancer
- Type: Language, Tech, Marketing
- Pros: Progress tracker, Live chat, Good customer support
- Cons: Bad UI/UX, Spam freelancers, Fake clients
Freelancer.com is one of the original freelance websites where service provider professionals and international organisations unite to complete various projects. Registering as a freelancer requires you to fill out a short form. Provide detailed information, including your skills, educational background, and work experience.
Freelancers can apply for projects to gain work. In addition to projects, there are also contests, such as visual or design work. Freelancers can gain from these contests by earning money along with reviews on their profiles.
Every freelancer will receive full payment after completing a job. However, the platform takes 10% of your total earnings for contests and fixed projects. Payment is via PayPal or wire transfer for withdrawal.
Fiverr
- Type: Marketing, Web development, Social media
- Pros: Popular site with large number of customers, Free registration
- Cons: High commission charge, Long payment process
Fiverr is a freelance platform connecting freelancers and business owners requiring expert on demand talent for services in various digital projects, including website design, copywriting, and sales lead generation.
This website provides a slick process for freelancers and business owners to collaborate. Sellers can sign up for free, list their gigs, and set their own prices. Whereas, buyers can easily browse through different work categories to purchase. Whenever a buyer purchases a gig, the app immediately charges their account and places the money on hold. The platform pay proicess will then take a commission fee and send freelancers 80% of the offered price.
Depending on each freelancer’s seller level, it can take up to 14 days to withdraw their earnings. There are multiple options to withdraw the payments, such as debit card, PayPal, and wire transfer.
Guru
- Type: Marketing, Tech, Admin
- Pros: Secure payment, Customized job listings, Free membership
- Cons: Potential fake clients
Guru is an international freelancer marketplace. Companies can hire professionals with various skills, such as software engineers, web designers, and digital marketing freelancers. This freelance platform is easy to browse freelance job listings and submit applications to clients. Start by signing up and building your freelance profile. The app will provide job recommendations based on your defined skills and experience.
Freelancers can bid for different projects and provide a fixed price for each. Freelancers can receive pay in various manners, including PayPal and wire transfer. More importantly, the site ensures freelancers get paid timely with SafePay protection.Every freelancer that signs up on this freelance website gets a free basic membership. This can be upgraded to paid membership plans with more features to benefit the freelancer.
gigexchange
- Type: Creative, Media, Technology, Marketing, Software, Security
- Pros: Secure pay, Push notifications, Live private chat, Free membership, Low commission, Identity verified freelancers only
- Cons: Still in growth phase
Gigexchange is a Global Future of Work marketplace for freelancers to connect with businesses for work. Gigexchange allows freelancers to complete freelance gigs (specific work tasks and outcomes - with payment after the work is completed), freelance jobs (time based work - typically short term contracts which are arranged off platform). Freelancers may also volunteer their valuable services free of charge via the Volunteer service.
Registration is quick and simple, completing a skills and experience fields for its AI/ML function. Registering for Freelance Gigs via the Gig Worker section requires Identity verification prior. This is quick and simple, providing a few ID documents to become identity validated, building trust in the marketplace.
The commission rates for freelance gigs is the lowest of all freelance apps, at just 5%. For freelance jobs there is no commission for finding work.
There are no subscription fees or limits on the number of applications for jobs or gigs.
Gigexchange operates across 39 countries, allowing freelancers to connect with local businesses and remote, or work from home freelance work.
The platform works as a progressive web app (PWA) which means both buyers and sellers can use the standard website or mobile app to complete work services.
The platform supports VISA & Mastercard debit & credit cards. Payment withdrawal for freelancers is via Stripe and typically takes 5-14 days from gig completion.
Building your personal Brand & Online Platform Reputation
As you gain more customers, your reputation will grow. This will allow you to acquire new customers by both word of mouth referrals and via freelance platform ratings and testimonials.
Charge the Right Price & Rates $$$$$$
As your reputation and experience/expertise develops, so will your pricings. Periodically review your rates to ensure they are both fair and at market rate internationally and in New Zealand
Managing multiple freelance jobs and clients
A key skill being a freelancer is managing and juggling multiple clients and projects simultaneously, along with maintaining a pipeline of new work when your schedule permits. This requires great personal organization skills and planning.
Deliver Beyond Expectations
The first rule of conducting great work is understanding the requirements and outcomes expected of you. The second rule is completing over and beyond this. This will result in repeat work and referrals, allowing you to grow your freelance business effectively.
Stay on top of the admin
Self-employment involves much more administrative work than being a permanent employee. There are various tasks requiring constant attention throughout the months and years. The major administrative work includes:
Managing Freelancing Financials
We all love making money, but we also need to stay on top of our revenue, accounting and taxes. Some great online products to help with this include:
Never Forget to Pay your Taxes
Keeping the taxman happy is critical to running a successful business. Stash away 30-40%+ of each paycheck for taxes. Pay quarterly taxes. Save every receipt and research applicable expenses. Hire an accountant or bookkeeper if this is not your strength.
Personal Development
Staying an expert in your specialisation is key to your success as a freelancer in New Zealand. Allocating time and resources to continuously improve and upskill is essential.
Freelancers use various tools and online training platform to do so, such as:
Online training courses
Writing
- Copywriting for Creatives
- 10x Emails
- ConversionXL
- Copyhackers’ Copy School
- HubSpot’s Content Marketing Certification
Design
Marketing
Business Administration
Freelancing Information
Software & Data Tools
Join freelance communities
Join as many Social Media groups for freelancers in New Zealand to help you build your network.
Join local Slack groups of interest to you. Sign up to meetup.com and search for freelance meetups in New Zealand and become an active member.
How to Be a Successful Freelancer
Start with understanding why you want to freelance? Then use our guide to ensure you give yourself the best chance of creating a successful freelance career.
One of the most important questions to ask yourself is. Can you afford to freelance? Starting out is the hardest part, there will be periods of no, or little income coming in. Do you have a financial contingency plan? If so, how long for. If the period of time is short, perhaps begin with freelancing as a side hustle on gigexchange.com
Ask yourself: Is Freelancing for Me?
If you dont try it, you will perhaps never know. But plan and prepare as much as possible prior to jumping in, to ensure you understand the risks and rewards of freelancing in New Zealand.
One of the most important questions to ask yourself is. Can you afford to freelance? Starting out is the hardest part, there will be periods of no, or little income coming in. Do you have a financial contingency plan? If so, how long for. If the period of time is short, perhaps begin with freelancing as a side hustle on gigexchange.com
What are the Pros and Cons of Freelancing?
Advantages of freelancing
- You’re your own boss
- You set your own rate and select which freelance gigs and jobs you work
- You have a better work-life balance by working when and where you want
- You could pay less in taxes if managed well
Disadvantages of Freelancing
- You’re not your own boss
- You have to manage your own benefits, taxes, and accounting
- If you don’t work, you don’t make money. No sick leave in freelancing
- No job security
Find the Best Freelance Jobs in NZ in 2024
Search for the Best Freelance Jobs Portals in in New Zealand to begin and grow your freelance career.
Best New Zealand Job Website Name
New Zealand Job Board Pricing
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FREE Job Advertising in New Zealand
$250
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Which Cities & Regions can I find Freelance Jobs & Freelance Gigs in New Zealand?
Need to find a freelance job near me in in New Zealand? Check out local freelance jobs near you.
Towns & Cities in New Zealand
Additional Freelance Information in New Zealand
We have collated some additional useful Freelancing information available online in 2024 so you can gain extra knowledge, resources and potential new Freelancing job opportunities, or understand how Freelance Job Seeking can work for you.
Featured Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are popular freelance jobs in 2022
How is remote work and work from home/work from anywhere benefiting freelancers?
Freelancers are independent contractors who either work on a retainer or on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers set their own work hours, decide where they want to perform their tasks, and usually only provide a service or product for a predetermined fee — with no company benefits or services included. Remote working, or working from home (or working from anywhere) has simply increased the work opportunities for both businesses hire remote talent and freelancers having an increased pool of clients. Freelancers can conduct all work remotely, without the need for being near the business headquarters, or having to go into the office.
Where can I find freelance work as a side hustle?
- Upwork
- gigexchange
- Taskrabbit
- Wonolo
- Upshift
- Jobble
- Fiverr
Is freelancing worth it?
Absolutely Yes! If you are a highly skilled individual who has a passion for the work you complete. Are great at what you do. Enjoy diverse and busy work environments. Love juggling multiple tasks and projects at once. Enjoy meeting new people and being paid for your value. Enjoys working remote and loves being your own boss. Then yes, freelancing is worth it!
What is the difference between a freelancer and a digital nomad?
Both a freelancer and contractor are self-employed experts. The main difference is that digital nomads are freelancers who love to work and travel with no set ‘home’. Digital nomads are individuals who are location transient but use modern technologies to work remotely whilst living a nomadic lifestyle.
How is the gig economy impacting freelancers?
Businesses benefit from the gig economy by gaining access to highly skilled on-demand talent to complete defined project work, or set tasks. Gig workers, also known as contingent or contract workers or freelancers, benefit from the flexibility and access to new opportunities that might not have been available before. Platforms such as gigexchange.com are providing local and remote freelance gigs and freelance jobs to freelancers globally.
What are the benefits of hiring freelancers
- Flexibility and Specialised Expertise. On-demand talent is now available to businesses for specific work tasks (freelance gigs) or specialised freelance jobs (short contracts) that cant be fulfilled by inhouse employees in a flexible manner
- Reduced Risk. Hiring freelancers on a short term basis reduces the risks on bad hires through the recruitment process
- Savings. Pay for talent when only you need it.
- High Quality of Work. Freelancers are experts in their trade. Hire with confidence when using online platforms by hiring trusted and reputable experts only.
- Worldwide Reach. Remote working means gain access to talent working from anywhere in the world
What is the difference between a freelancer and a contractor?
Both a freelancer and contractor are self-employed workers. Freelancers are more typically associated with creative and media industries. Contractors are terms used to describe independent employees in I.T. or civil construction.
What is the difference between a freelancer and an employee?
Freelancers are self-employed individuals who are employed by businesses on short-term projects, or dedicated tasks to complete. They receive no employee benefits from their clients and pay and manage their own taxes. Freelancers are their own boss, setting their own hours and work lifestyle. They typically juggle multiple clients simultaneously.
Freelancers determine their own rates, which may be hourly or on a per-project basis. They typically work remotely, though may occasionally meet with clients in person or visit the office for meetings.
Employees permanently work for a single employer and are paid fixed remuneration in the form of an annual salary.
The employer provides work benefits (such as holiday time, sick leave, healthcare, and pension plans) and is also responsible for managing their taxes and contributions. Employees typically have a contract that defines their expected work hours, role, and the terms of their employment. Since they are a permanent part of the company, employees are usually required to serve a notice period before leaving the company. They also enjoy more job security than freelancers or contractors. Businesses can give notice to freelancers much quicker and easier than permanent employees.
Are self-employed freelancers the Future of Work?
Freelancing and self-employment has been trending up for many years. As of 2022, the freelancing industry is growing three times faster than the traditional workforce. And statistics predict by 2027, the majority of the US workforce will be freelancing.
As many as 64 percent of freelancers find their work online on platforms such as gigexchange.com, and most now no longer require a freelancer to be physically on site. For remote based freelancers and digital nomads, this means their location is no longer an inhibitor to work. The digital economy is fueling the freelancing industry growth.
How to on-board remote freelancers?
- Have an on-boarding process & checklist pre-defined
- Ensure all appropriate access to software tools and products and user accounts are setup prior to day 1
- Welcome employees personally immediately on day 1 via an approved business digital communications channel such as teams or slack
- Use communications technology to build a culture of immediacy, collaboration and camaraderie
- Set clear expectations before day one: pre-boarding
- Allocate a remote buddy or mentor
- Regularly follow up and pulse check with remote freelancer to ensure they are happy, engaged, understand their roles & responsibilities and not blocked from working
Whats the difference between a freelance job and freelance gig?
A freelance job is a standard work contract for a set period of time. Typically 3-6 months. These jobs are paid by the hourly or daily rate. Freelancers usually invoice on a weekly or monthly basis for standard freelance jobs.
Freelance gigs are work assignments with explicit scope of works and expected outcomes. Freelance gigs are typically paid out once the work has been completed to the customers satisfaction.
Is the Future of Work freelancing?
The world of work is slowly drifting away from long term (or permanent) work engagements. Moving to a more on-demand model, where businesses onboard specialised experts for specific tasks or projects. Freelancers are well placed to take advantage of the movement and experienced in the risks and benefits of freelance work and self employment.
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