In order for you to work in New Zealand, you must have not only a work permit of any kind, but also an IRD number. IRD stands for Inland Revenue Department1. It is the number that your employer will use to discount taxes of your wage/salary. However, after you leave New Zealand, you can actually get a good part of that discounted money back.
If you have a Working Holiday Visa, making your IRD number is the first (and only) thing you need to do before actually start looking for jobs. The good thing about it is that it is really easy to do! You just need to fill out the IRD form (you can find it here2) and provide one of the documents listed in Category A, as well as one of the documents listed in Category B. For both categories, you must provide the original one and its photocopy.
In my case, for Category A, I showed my overseas passport (if you use your passport as well, pay attention that you must also photocopy the page containing the stamp the immigration stamped in your passport when you arrived) . For Category B I showed a letter of enrollment of my school (just ask for it in your school. In my case, the school took 2 days to make it).
With your documents in hand, all you have to do is go to a PostShop (a.k.a Post Office. You can find the closest near you here3) or an Automobile Association and give them the documents (the originals will only be used to check the photocopies, so don't worry, they won't keep them!). Within 10 working days the card with your IRD number will be delivered in the address you put in the form.
That's all! If you have any queries, just give me a holler! =)
# Update - 01/03/2012 #
My IRD card took a little long to be delivered. It just arrived today (that is, almost one week after the set deadline date). However, if your card also takes more time than the expected 10 working days to arrive, you just have to give them a call4 (0800 377 774) and ask them to tell you what your IRD number is. Interviewers just ask for your IRD number (not the card itself), so, there is no need for panic! =)
## Links & Resources ##
1) http://www.ird.govt.nz
2) http://www.ird.govt.nz/forms-guides/title/forms-i/ir595-form-individualirdapp.html?id=homepage
3) http://www.nzpost.co.nz/tools/postshop-kiwibank-locator
4) http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/
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