Working at Ruapehu
As a large tourism operator, there are approximately 60 different job descriptions within the organisation ranging from permanent full time to seasonal positions. Of all the varied skills and personalities these jobs encompass, the common attributes of all our employees are the following:
- A willingness to get on with others and create fun for customers and other staff
- A willingness to work in a team situation to achieve a common goal
- A professional attitude towards work (reliable, hard working and tidy in appearance).
You may still be in school, a tertiary student, or a person looking for a career - we welcome applications from anybody who is motivated and enjoys a challenge.
What's in it for you?
Apart from having loads of fun and making friends for life, working for Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) enables you to receive some discounted and free stuff while working here!
- Free Season Pass for Whakapapa and Turoa Ski Areas
- Free Beginner and Intermediate Snow School group lessons
- Up to 50% discount on Food & Beverage on the mountain
- 25% discount in the Vertical Retail Stores on the mountain
- 10 occasions for discounted Gear hire (90% discount) or Gear Serviced (50% discount)
Overseas applicants
All overseas applicants must have a valid work visa. In most cases this is a working holiday visa.
We are generally able to obtain work visas for applicants for the positions of Ski & Snowboard Instructors and Ski & Snowboard Technicians.
We may also be able to assist applicants in obtaining work visas for some other specialised positions such as Doctors, Nurses, Groomer Operators, Snowmakers and Tradespeople.
Note that Australian citizens are legally entitled to work in New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visas
Citizens of the following countries can apply for a 12 month working holiday visa:
| Argentina Belgium Brazil Canada Chile Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany |
Hong Kong Ireland Italy Japan Korea Latvia Malaysia Malta Mexico Netherlands Peru |
Poland Norway Singapore Solvenia Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand United Kingdom Uruguay USA |
All work visas can be applied for through the New Zealand Embassy of your country. Note that the visa must be applied for in your home country - working holiday visas are not issued once you are in New Zealand.
For further information on visas for New Zealand please refer to the New Zealand Immigration Service website.
Accident Cover (ACC)
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) currently administers New Zealand's accident compensation scheme, which provides personal injury cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand. In return people do not have the right to sue for personal injury, other than for exemplary damages.
We do recommend, however, that you take out personal property insurance from your country of residence. For more information go to www.acc.co.nz
Duration
Most positions start in mid-June and July with an initial finish date of mid October. These dates are very much dependent on snow levels, however, and there are instances where employment will continue into late October.
Full-time positions
There are full-time positions available in most areas. Full-time staff will work approximately 30-40 hours per week based on 5-6 days on and 1-2 days off.
Part-time positions
Some part-time positions are available. Part-time staff generally work between 4-5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
Casual positions
These positions usually cover weekends and peak holiday periods.
Staff training and development
To meet the needs and expectations of the company and guests, and to allow staff to perform their jobs to their full potential, every employee will participate in a training program before their employment commences. The program includes in-depth training on the company policies, mountain awareness, health and safety and specific skills to your job.
Uniforms
All staff are supplied with a uniform to suit the requirements of their particular job. Staff must supply their own boots or shoes and other clothing and equipment such as thermal underwear, indoor trousers and sunglasses. These items are available from our retail shops at a discounted price. Ski and Snowboard Instructors, Ski Patrollers and Trail Safety Crew/Terrain Park Crew, must also supply their own ski/board equipment. Allowances are paid as a part of the wage to contribute towards the extra cost of these items. Uniforms are supplied for the duration of employment only and must be returned when employment ceases.
Accommodation
There is plenty of private and commercial accommodation in the surrounding region. You will have enough time to find accommodation between confirmation of employment and your start date. The Human Resources team will certainly help with contacts wherever possible.
Transport
For staff working at Turoa, free transport is provided for all staff on duty from Ohakune to the mountain at the beginning and end of each day.
For staff working at Whakapapa, free transport is provided for all staff on duty from National Park and Whakapapa Village to the Top o' the Bruce.
You are allowed to ride the off-peak buses on your days off if there is room.
Frequently Asked Questions about Employment at Mt Ruapehu
Can I make more than one application?
No you really need to choose the 2 roles you want the most as we receive over 4000 applications every season. Within your application you list your preferred role, and then your second preferred role. Should a position become available that we think you would be suitable for we will contact you.
Will I need a New Zealand Bank Account?
Yes you do. We also suggest that all employees try to arrange their New Zealand bank accounts before coming to work at Mt Ruapehu, and as soon as you arrive in New Zealand. The major cities are normally the best place to get them, but we also have a few locally based facilities.
What is an IRD Number and where can I get one from?
Your Inland Revenue Deparment (IRD) number is your tax file number. You'll need this number in order to get paid. Yep so it's pretty important! You can get your IRD number at any local New Zealand Post Store. Just make sure you have all of the relevant information with you including a copy of your contract and your passport. Please apply for this once you arrive in New Zealand, preferably at a NZ Post Store in a major city. It can take a couple of weeks to process so don't wait around!
How do I get to National Park or Ohakune?
Bus and train services stop in Ohakune and National Park, travelling from both Auckland and Wellington. Refer to www.intercity.co.nz/ (bus) and www.transcenic.co.nz (train) for timetable information. Train services can be limited depending on the time of year
I am only able to work for a few months of the winter season, what opportunites are available for me?
Ideally all applicants are available to work from the beginning of June to the end of October, we do however accept applications throughout the winter season and any potential employees will be waitlisted.
I now have my working holiday visa, what do I do?
If you have received a working holiday visa or permit since applying please change the status on your application and attach a copy. Please note that you cannot work in New Zealand without one and an offer of employment is subject to you legally being able to work in New Zealand.
