We are excited to announce that English Language Partners will become the new provider of the Pathways to Employment Service on 1 July 2026.

We already offer nationwide English language programmes for job seekers and employees.  

So, we are well placed to offer employment support to refugee-background communities.

The current provider is New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC).

ELP will deliver the service on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

How ELP will support people into work

Our new service will help people from refugee backgrounds find full-time work.

It will be available to anyone from a refugee background who is receiving a benefit from MSD.  

From 1 July we will support jobseekers to:

• Understand the New Zealand job market.
• Find and apply for jobs.
• Plan a career and goals.
• Get support for work readiness training.
• Write CVs and cover letters.
• Prepare for job interviews.
• Talk to employers.

Learning English and finding work at the same time

Delivering the new Pathways to Employment service alongside our well-established English language programmes will add value for the communities we serve.  

International evidence shows that programmes that integrate language learning and employment support achieve stronger outcomes for job seekers.  

Refugee background job seekers bring diverse skills, experience and strengths to the New Zealand workforce.  

ELP looks forward to working with employers and community partners to support successful employment outcomes.

Why this aligns with our strategic goals

One of our strategic goals is to increase learner success.

We’ve been supporting learners for many years to achieve their goals through our English language programmes including English for Employees and English for Job Seekers.

Many learners tell us that successful settlement means getting a job where they can support themselves and their whānau. From July we will be even better placed to help people succeed.

Read more about Strategy 2030
About Us | English Language Partners New Zealand

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What support will be available

Orientation to the New Zealand job market

One of the biggest challenges for new arrivals is navigating the New Zealand job market.  

We will offer orientation sessions in 13 locations around New Zealand.  

Orientation sessions will help refugee background job seekers understand:

• Where and how to look for jobs.
• How recruitment processes work in New Zealand.
• What employers typically expect.

Some orientation sessions may be delivered online depending on location and demand.  

Orientation locations

• Auckland
• Hamilton
• Palmerston North
• Levin
• Wellington
• Nelson
• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Invercargill
• Masterton
• Ashburton
• Timaru
• Blenheim

Help with finding work

ELP will provide direct support to find work in eight regions. This includes helping people apply for roles and connecting job seekers with employers.

Initially, we will operate the new service in the following regions with teams based in our centres and at our National Office in Wellington.

We will monitor demand for the service and may need to change these locations or adjust how the service is provided.

Locations where there is support to find work

• Auckland
  Auckland Central & West Centre
  Auckland South Centre
• Waikato
  Hamilton Centre
• Manawatū
  Palmerston North Centre - also providing support for Horowhenua job seekers.
• Wellington
  Our National Office in Wellington City - supporting Wellington, Porirua, and the Hutt Valley.
• Tasman
  Nelson Centre
• Canterbury
  Christchurch Centre
• Otago
  Dunedin Centre
• Southland
  Dunedin and/or Invercargill centres -  to be confirmed before 1 July.

How this service will differ from NZRC’s service

We are committed to supporting people to find work and settle successfully in New Zealand.

MSD has adjusted the scope of the service which will result in two main differences with the NZRC service:

• Where work finding support is available:  NZRC offers the Pathways to Employment service in 13 locations around New Zealand. We will offer orientations to the New Zealand job market in 13 locations. Initially we will only be able to help with finding work in eight locations.  
• Focus on full-time employment: MSD is prioritising supporting people into full-time work. So our focus for the new service will be to support job seekers into full-time work and to continue supporting people to learn English. There will be less support available to help people find voluntary roles or part-time work.  

There are likely to be other differences as we work through the details and as we find out more about where support is needed.

Getting ready to deliver the new service

We are working closely with NZRC and MSD to support a smooth transition.

We acknowledge the strong foundations NZRC has built over the past 12 years and recognise the commitment and dedication of NZRC staff.

Before 1 July 2026, we will recruit staff and put systems in place to support delivery of the service.  

Thank you for your patience during this transition period.  

We are looking forward to beginning service delivery on 1 July.

Contact information

Pathways to Employment (until 1 July 2026)

NZRC will continue to deliver the Pathways to Employment service until 1 July 2026.

Contact NZRC for support finding a job or hiring a refugee-background employee.

Finding a job | New Zealand Red Cross website

English Language programmes

Contact English Language Partners to enquire about English Language programmes including English for Employees and English for Job Seekers.

English Language Partners | Our Programmes

General enquiries for English Language Partners

If you can’t find what you need on our website, email info@englishlanguage.org.nz