Technology
New technologies, modernisation and border closures mean there is a soaring demand for IT professionals, including developers and data engineers, as well as people who are:
» great communicators
» problem solvers
» creators
“We are trying to bust the myth that this sector is only about coding. In fact, there are a diverse range of exciting roles for all types of people. These include marketing, partner management, graphic design, customer success, UI/UX design (user interface and user experience), analysis, product management and more.”
– Jeremy Johnson – Rocketspark Founder
Cyber security professionals have been in high demand for several years, and because of an increase in remote working practices in 2020, this demand remains high. The business disruption due to the pandemic has led to a high demand for developers and data engineers, and candidates with communication skills, creativity and problem-solving skills are also highly sought after.
Waikato has a strong tech sector which is punching above its weight in exports and growth says CultivateIT, an association committed to nurturing and retaining talent in the region, supporting technology and related initiatives and advancing Waikato as a regional technology powerhouse.
Waikato was the region with the most tech sector revenue growth in 2017, up 21.7% from the previous year and again in 2018, up 16.3% which was equivalent to a $119 million increase (TIN 100 Report).
Job and Pay Examples in the Technology Industry
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Architect | $140K to $230K | Good |
| Cloud Engineer | $120K to $180K | Good |
| Cyber Security Analyst | $110K to $140K | Good |
| Cyber Security Engineer | $120K to $160K | Good |
| Cyber Security Manager | $130K to $180K | Good |
| Data Analyst | $80K to $125K | Good |
| Data Engineer | $110K to $160K | Good |
| Data Scientist | $110K to $160K | Good |
| Desktop Support | $60K to $80K | Good |
| Front End Developer | $100K to $135K | Good |
| Full Stack Developer | $115K to $160K | Good |
| Game Developer | $60K to $100K | Poor |
| IT Manager | $130K to $170K | Good |
| Mobile Apps Developer | $100K to $150K | Good |
| Network Engineer | $90K to $120K | Good |
| Network Architect | $130K to $160K | Good |
| Platform Engineer | $120K to $180K | Good |
| Penetration Tester | $120K to $170K | Good |
| Scrum Master | $120K to $150K | Good |
| UI/UX Designer | $100K to $145K | Good |
| JOB | PAY PER HOUR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Animator/Digital Artist | $21 to $75 | Average |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
Technology Qualifications
» Wintec
› Bachelor of Applied Information Technology
› NZ Certificate in Information Technology (Level 5)
› NZ Certificate in Computing (Level 3)
› Range of Graduate Diplomas
» University of Waikato
› Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc)
› Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours (BCMS (Hons))
› Bachelor of Design (BDes)
› Bachelor of Business (BBus) (Digital Business major)
› Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours (BMS (Hons)) (Digital Business major)
» Vision College
› NZ Diploma in Web Development and Design (Level 5)
› NZ Diploma in Software Development (Level 6)
Meet the Waikato young people at work in the Technology Industry!
Chantal Gellert
Customer Success Team Leader & Events Coordinator »
Tyron Noble
Graphic and Digital Designer »
Ally-Jane McDonald
Digital Designer »
Christian Conder
Software Developer »
Creative
Creative industries generate billions of dollars and more than 100,000 jobs in New Zealand, not only in the creative sector but as a supporter of other industries.
Creative careers cover visual and performing arts, design, digital technologies, the film industry, events and much more.
Opportunities in this sector range from generating creative products within local communities to leading innovation for global businesses.
Creative skills are transferable across every other pathway – every workplace needs creative people across a wide variety of roles (e.g. engineer, chef, architect, event manager, marketing manager… all of these people need to tap into their creativity!). If you are a person who can come up with creative ways to grow a business or solve a problem, you will get noticed! (seek.co.nz)
SMARTER FUTURES: TECHNOLOGY
Waikato is one of New Zealand’s most rapidly growing regional tech sectors and a hub of technological advancements, with over 50 dedicated I.T. companies and I.t. specialists in most businesses in the region, along with a proud history in agritech. Waikato stands at the forefront of cutting-edge developments.
Keen on a Creative Career? You could…
Work in a creative sector
Though finding work can be challenging
Be creative in another sector
Like engineering or marketing…
Start your own business
To sell your own products or services
Work a day job
To fund your creative activities on the side
Job and Pay Examples in the creative Industry
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Varies widely | Poor |
| Animator/Digital Artist | $55K to $120K | Average |
| Architect | $60K to $140K | Average |
| Artist | Varies widely | Poor |
| Artistic Director | Varies widely | Poor |
| Author | Depends on success | Poor |
| Barber/Hairdresser | $48K to $100K | Average |
| Dancer | Varies widely | Poor |
| Entertainer | Varies widely | Poor |
| Fashion Designer | $48K to $160K | Poor |
| Graphic Designer | $65K to $105K | Average |
| Interior Designer | $55K to $120K | Average |
| Industrial Designer | $60K to $120K | Average |
| Jeweller | $48K to $100K | Average |
| Journalist | $48K to $100K | Poor |
| Make-up Artist | Varies widely | Good |
| Media Producer | Varies widely | Poor |
| Musician | Varies widely | Poor |
| Radio Presenter | $48K to $90K | Poor |
| Tattoo Artist | Varies widely | Poor |
| Television Presenter | Varies widely | Poor |
| JOB | PAY PER HOUR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Film/Video Editor | $27 | Poor |
| Photographer | $25 to $250 | Average |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
Cultural
Jobs requiring Te Reo Māori and mātauranga Māori (knowledge) and kaupapa/tikanga Māori continue to grow. A variety of businesses across all sectors increasingly seek team members who bring a Māori perspective to the workplace, so they can better serve their communities and grow.
These roles might include…
» Te Reo Māori Tutors
» Research and development advisors
» Policy and strategy advisors
» Senior leadership positions
» Kaitiakitanga (environmental leadership)
» Lawyers
» Education specialists
» Health and social workers
Aotearoa also has a strong, contemporary Māori arts community. Many Māori design, create, market and sell indigenous art or products.
Did you know?
Government support for the cultural sector (a $374 million Covid-19 recovery programme) has resulted in more cultural sector jobs predicted through to 2026, and the sector performing better than forecast. (beehive.govt.nz).
Renata Te Wiata
Head Carver »
Khaysharn Kingi-Takoko
Kapa Haka Performer »
Photo: Te Hookioi. Used with permission.
Creative Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
» Wintec
› Bachelor of Contemporary Art
› Bachelor of Design
› Bachelor of Media Arts (Hons)
› Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts
» University of Waikato
› Bachelor of Arts (BA)
› Bachelor of Design (BDes)
› Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Recreation
People are becoming more aware that a work-life balance is important in maintaining mental and physical wellbeing, and as a result the recreation industry is growing.
Recreation Aotearoa says the recreation industry encompasses the people, places, organisations, and processes that enable recreation experiences to occur.
Some examples include…
» Organised sport
» Fitness
» Outdoor activities
» Crafts
» Music
» The arts
» Family and community events
The sports and recreation sector shows good signs of growth compared to when the pandemic first hit and was the top industry for job advert growth in July and August 2020 (Seek).
Seek also says the health and well-being sectors will be growth industries, with New Zealanders increasingly taking their well-being into their own hands.
This includes a range of jobs, such as:
» Nutritionists
» Dietitians
» Wellness coaches
» Yoga instructors
» Personal Trainers
» Physiotherapists
A career in this sector might be for you if you are:
» A great communicator
» Well organised
» Interested in helping people
» Patient and mature
» Enthusiastic
» Able to motivate others
» Able to relate to a wide range of people
Job and Pay Examples in the Recreation Industry
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Event Manager | $48K to $75K | Average |
| Outdoor Recreation Guide | $48K to $58K | Poor |
| Recreation Coordinator | $48K to $83K | Good |
| Recreational Diver | $48 to $49K | Average |
| Sports Coach/Official | $48K to $80K | Poor |
| PAY PER HOUR | OPPORTUNITIES | |
|---|---|---|
| Diversional Therapist | $28 to $50 | Good |
| Personal Trainer | $23 to $90 | Good |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
Recreation Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
» Wintec
› Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science
› Certificate in Exercise (Level 4 and Level 5)
› Certificate in Outdoor Adventure Education (Level 4)
» University of Waikato
› Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance (BHSHP)
› Certificate in Health, Sport and Human Performance (Cert HSHP)
Sources: careers.govt.nz, beehive.govt.nz, Hays Salary Guide 2021, New Zealand Herald, nzrecreation.org.nz, seek.co.nz, sportnz.org.nz, Toi Māori Aotearoa, waikato.ac.nz, wecreate.org.nz, wintec.ac.nz, youthguarantee.education.govt.nz
Disclaimer: While the FutureForce® Team makes every effort to ensure the information on this website is correct, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any disruption or loss caused by error or omissions. Content is designed to complement, but not replace, the advice of a career advisor.
Photos supplied by Waikato-Tainui and RocketSpark