The numbers tell a compelling story. Right now, there are
over 10,000 FIFO jobs available across Australia, compared
to just a few hundred in New Zealand. For Kiwi workers
willing to pack their bags and head across the Tasman, this
represents more than just employment opportunities – it’s
a chance to completely transform their earning
potential.
FIFO, or Fly-In-Fly-Out work, means exactly
what it sounds like. Workers fly to remote mining sites,
work intensive rosters – typically two weeks on, one week
off – then fly home to their families. It’s not for
everyone, but for those who can handle the lifestyle, the
financial rewards are substantial.
The Scale of
Opportunity
The Australian mining sector dwarfs New
Zealand’s in every measurable way. While New Zealand’s
entire mining industry employed just 5,900 people in 2023,
Australia’s Metal Ore Mining sector alone employs 139,200
workers. That’s before you even count coal, gas, or other
resource extraction industries.
More importantly for
job seekers, the money reflects this scale. FIFO workers are
averaging AU$100,000+ annually, with coal miners earning
AU$85,000 and above. When you compare that to equivalent
roles in New Zealand, the difference is often significant
enough to justify the lifestyle changes that come with FIFO
work.
What’s particularly encouraging for newcomers is
that many FIFO positions currently don’t require previous
experience. This opens doors for Kiwis looking to make a
career change or young people wanting to earn serious money
while they’re still mobile and unencumbered by major
commitments.
Why Aussie Miners Want Kiwi
Workers
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Australian mining companies aren’t just
passively accepting New Zealand workers – they’re actively
seeking them out. The reasons are practical and cultural.
Kiwis arrive with strong work ethics, excellent English, and
often solid trades backgrounds from New Zealand’s robust
apprenticeship systems.
There’s also the simple matter
of supply and demand. Drillers, miners and shot firers
represent the largest employing occupation group in
Australian mining, but finding skilled workers willing to
work in remote locations isn’t always easy. New Zealand
workers, particularly those from rural areas, are often more
comfortable with isolation and physical work than their
urban Australian counterparts.
Companies like PK Workforce have
recognised this natural fit and actively facilitate
connections between Australian mining operations and Kiwi
workers. The cultural similarities mean less adjustment time
and fewer workplace issues.
The Reality of FIFO
Life
Living the FIFO lifestyle means embracing a
unique rhythm. Your typical fortnight involves flying to a
mining site that might be hundreds of kilometres from the
nearest town, working 12-hour shifts in challenging
conditions, then returning to comfortable accommodation with
meals provided, recreational facilities, and high-speed
internet.
The isolation is real, but so
are the support systems. Modern mining camps are far from
the rough-and-ready setups of decades past. Many feature
gyms, entertainment areas, and comprehensive mental health
support programmes. Companies understand that looking after
workers’ wellbeing isn’t just ethical – it’s essential for
productivity and retention.
The flip side
is equally important. When your roster ends, you truly
switch off. That week at home is yours, funded by wages that
often exceed what many professionals earn working full-time
in conventional jobs.
Getting Your Foot in the
Door
Breaking into FIFO work isn’t as daunting as it
might seem, especially for those willing to start at entry
level. The mining industry has recognised that training
motivated newcomers often produces better long-term
employees than trying to poach experienced workers from
competitors.
Essential certifications vary by role,
but most positions require basic safety training, which can
often be arranged through your employer. More specialised
roles might need trade qualifications, but even these can
sometimes be obtained through mining company training
programmes.
Specialised FIFO recruitment services have
streamlined the process significantly. Rather than
navigating multiple company websites and application
processes, workers can often access opportunities across the
industry through recruitment specialists who are working
directly with mining companies working to fill and maintain
their workforce roster through mining
labour hire. These agencies understand both the
requirements and the culture.
The key is being
realistic about timelines and committed to the lifestyle.
This isn’t a quick money grab – successful FIFO workers
treat it as a career strategy that requires dedication and
planning.
Looking Forward
The demand for FIFO
workers shows no signs of slowing. Australia’s resource
sector continues expanding, driven by global demand for
everything from iron ore to lithium. For New Zealand
workers, this represents an ongoing opportunity that’s
likely to remain available for years to come.
The
beauty of the arrangement is its flexibility. Many Kiwis use
FIFO work strategically – earning substantial money for a
few years to pay off mortgages, fund business ventures, or
simply build financial security before transitioning back to
more conventional work arrangements.
For those willing
to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities of FIFO
life, the path across the Tasman has never been clearer. The
jobs are there, the pay is substantial, and the systems to
connect willing workers with opportunities are more
sophisticated than
ever.
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