Working in regional Aotearoa New Zealand 

No matter what university you attend or where you live in Aotearoa, the myth is that after graduating the best career pathway is to work in the main centres. The truth is, while there is a benefit in working in the main centres, you can get just as much benefit (if not more), from taking the time to spend a few years working in the regions.  

It can be daunting considering moving to the regions, particularly if you are from a larger city. However, there are major benefits in starting off your legal career in a smaller town.  

Benefits 

Ability to work in a wide variety of practice areas  

• Many firms in smaller towns are general practice, which means in a day you could work on residential conveyancing, a commercial deed of lease or sitting in on a client interview about relationship property. The variety of work can help you decide the areas you want to work in.

Handle a file earlier 

• Meeting clients face to face can be daunting, but it encourages you to put the skills you learnt at university into practice straight away. You’re also more likely to be drafting documents in the early stages of your legal career. 
  

Shorter commutes 

• Working in a smaller town often means you are much closer to work. Regional offices are more likely to have car parks available, so you don’t have to pay for parking or use public transport.
  

Cheaper housing 

• And you’re more likely to get a three-bedroom home on a bigger section and usually at a much more reasonable cost. 
  

Sense of community

• Joining community groups and making connections in smaller towns is not only good for your personal life but is also beneficial for your professional life.   

Better work life balance 

• There tends to be a greater emphasis on leaving the office at 5pm; and if there are occasions where you need to work later, the commute of a 5–10minute drive home makes up for it! 

Best learning 

Taking the leap to work in regional Aotearoa can be a scary thought – it can be lonely at times, and the smallness of it all can be a lot. However, the personal and professional growth you can achieve from working in the regions can be some of the best learning of your career – and who knows, you may never want to leave!