Worker accommodation
Finding a comfortable and affordable place to stay during your seasonal work can make a big difference to your experience. Here are some practical tips and resources to help you secure accommodation.
Start early
Accommodation fills up quickly during peak harvest seasons. Begin your search as soon as you confirm your work dates to avoid last-minute stress. See resources below for a list of backpackers and Bay of Plenty camping spots.
Check with your employer
Some employers provide housing or can recommend trusted options. Ask about:
Local resources
Pack smart
Bring essentials like bedding, toiletries, and any personal items you need for comfort. Shared spaces mean being considerate of others.
Accommodation provided your employer
If your employer is providing accommodation for you during your employment, under New Zealand law this called a service tenancy. All service tenancies need a written tenancy agreement. The agreement can sometimes be part of the employment agreement, but it’s better if they’re separate.
Your right to a reasonable standard of accommodation
Landlords must ensure the property is maintained to a reasonable standard, has appropriate working smoke alarms, meets health and safety requirements, and is compliant with the healthy homes standards. Landlords must also provide you with certain information and statements, including an insurance statement, insulation statement and healthy homes standards compliance statement.
Rent deductions from your wages
Employers can deduct the rent directly from your pay each pay period. This can only happen if:
If there is a longer pay period (eg, due to a holiday) the landlord can deduct the rent for that same longer period.
More information about service tenancies and healthy homes can be found at Tenancy Services.