Reasons to work in Higher Education (What’s in it for you?)
So where do you begin?
You can start right here at UniJobs.co.nz Job Search
To get information on your local university, feel free to browse the UniJobs Campus Careers centre; a list of practical links containing information on your local university career hub.
CULTURE
Each university has a unique culture. Their values are clearly represented on their websites. They all aim to create environments of support among staff and peers whilst appreciating their own cultures and values. Universities are a product of knowledge and therefore there is constant innovation. There is a sense of openness and encouragement for new ideas and tolerance towards different viewpoints and cultures. They are constantly testing, observing and developing.
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WORK LIFE BALANCE
Universities appreciate that each employee has different circumstances and priorities. Thus universities value and recognise their employee’s life outside of work and encourage a work life balance. There are a number of ways in which universities do this including:
Offering flexible work arrangements including:
- Part-time employment
- Job share
- Temporary/Contract employment
- Maternity and adoption leave
- Planned career breaks
- Family Leave
- Study leave
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SALARIES
All universities provide salaries at award or above award. There are different awards for academic staff, professional staff and general staff. All universities base their salaries on a 48/52 week year. Most universities publish their salaries online.
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SALARY PACKAGING
Most universities offer the option of salary packaging. This allows employees to structure their income so that they receive their salary as both cash and fringe benefits that are paid out before paying tax. This means employees can maximise their benefits and tailor their salary package to suit their individual financial needs whilst taking advantage of legitimate taxation laws.
Some of the items that can be packaged are:
- Additional superannuation
- Financial advice
- Motor vehicle leasing
- Laptop computers
- Car parking
- Memberships and subscriptions that are work-related i.e.
- Mobile phones and PDAs
- University books
- University sport and recreation fees
- University child care
- Self education / higher education course fees
- Airline lounge memberships
Salary packaging options vary for each university.
For more information on salary package options, please visit the Smart Salary Website Smart Payroll.
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SUPERANNUATION
The New Zealand Universities Superannuation Scheme has been established with the objective of providing employees of Universities in New Zealand with retirement and other benefits. Seven Universities in New Zealand are party to the Trust Deed which established the Scheme.
The Scheme incorporates modern design features and delivers considerable flexibility to individual members. It is a cash accumulation scheme in which individual accounts are held in the name of each member. The income of the Scheme is invested by several professional fund managers and interest which is derived from these investments is credited from time to time to the individual member accounts. The ultimate benefits payable are based on the accumulated account balances held on behalf of each member and are available fully in lump sum form. Members may be either Subsidized or Unsubsidized in terms of the Trust Deed.
An appointee can transfer a benefit into the Scheme from any other superannuation scheme, in which case the Trustees will determine what proportions of the transferred benefit are deemed to be member contributions and employer contributions.
An information booklet providing a summary of the Scheme and the principal rights and benefits of membership as set out in the Trust Deed is available.
http://www.nzvcc.ac.nz/superannuation
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INCOME TAX
Salaries, which are paid fortnightly, are subject to taxation deductions on the "pay-as-you-earn" basis. There is a Goods and Services Tax (12.5%) on all purchases and services. Currently there are no capital gains or estate taxes.
Income Tax Rate Scale for Individuals (including ACC levies)
On that portion of the taxable income: The rate of tax for every $ is:
Current tax rates are available from Inland Revenue Te Tari Taake
In general, total world income (including that from book royalties, interest, dividends) will be liable for income tax in New Zealand; credit will normally be allowed for any tax paid overseas where a double-tax agreement exists upon production of evidence of payment.
Income tax is payable on all income at source. If income is earned that does not come through the University payroll system, advice should be taken to see if a future provisional tax liability may exist.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Universities run training and development programs for all their staff. This includes:
- Various training programs – that include topics such as orientation of working at the university, Leadership and management, performance management, managing stress, keeping work life balance etc.
- Course fees discount – All employees have the opportunity to take courses run by their university at a discounted fee (this can also be salary sacrificed). Often family members are also given discounted fees.
- Academic staff development programs – Academics are given the opportunity to take time out of the campus to research in their field or work on specific projects
- Professional staff development programs – This is to encourage professional staff to study undergraduate degrees and allows them time off to do this.
- Career Development programs – These programs help assist staff to develop their career goals within the university with support from supervisors. They also offer career counseling and resources and support from Human Resources and Managers.
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FACILITIES
All universities have a wide range of facilities that are accessible to their staff.
These can include:
- Banks and ATMS
- Newsagencies and Australia Post outlets
- Pharmacies
- Hairdressers
- Travel agencies
- Computer supplies and bookshops
- Cafes and takeaway outlets
- Health and Fitness centres
- Libraries
- Staff clubs/houses that can cater for functions and events
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HEALTH SERVICES
Universities usually have a team of medical practitioners, registered nurses, and a psychologist to offer health services to staff and students. These services can include:
- General Practice
- Vaccinations
- Sexual health checks
- Skin checks
- Travel medicine
- Men's Health and Women's Health
- Mental health support
- Free flu vaccinations
The services can be organised through the University. They also offer to arrange health insurance with a health fund they have a strong relationship with.
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FITNESS AND RECREATION
All Universities have fitness and sports centres for staff and students. They offer very low fees for both staff and their families. They can include group fitness classes, short courses, massage and physiotherapy, sporting facilities that include a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and even sports stadiums. Each institute also runs a number of sports and sporting teams for staff to be involved in.
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REWARDS PROGRAM
Staff can receive awards for performance and excellence which can include anything from the chance to work on a project to receiving a large lump sum payment.
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ACADEMIC PROMOTIONS
Academic promotions are available to research staff. Most universities run an academic promotions program where there is a set procedure for academic staff wanting to advance to a higher research level. This encourages academic staff to continue to learn and research and as they do so advance within the institute.
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BENEFITS
Some other Academic Staff benefits may include the following:
- Study Leave
Generous study leave provisions, typically 12 months on salary after six years' service. Study leave accrues at a rate of 61 days per annum; a base allowance and a grant-in-aid towards overseas travel are paid in addition to salary.
- Conference Leave
Access to conference leave and financial support provided.
- Public Holidays
Eleven days per annum.
- University Holidays
Up to Five days per annum.
- Annual Leave
Up to Four weeks per annum.
- Sick Leave
Generous sick leave provisions on an individual basis.
- Retirement Leave
Retirement leave of up to 6 months after 20 years or lump sum gratuity equivalent to the value of the leave, determined according to length of service.
- Parental Leave
Up to 9 weeks' paid leave; up to 43 weeks' unpaid.
- Medical SchemeAccess to group health care scheme at discounted premiums.
- Recreation Centre
Subsidised recreation centre membership.
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STAFF DISCOUNTS
Can include the following:
- Travel insurance
- Travel
- Car hire
- Stationery
- Health insurance
- Bank fees
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is about:
- Making sure that workplaces are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment, and
- Providing programs to assist members of EEO groups to overcome past or present disadvantage.
This means having workplace rules, policies, practices and behaviours that are fair and do not disadvantage people because they belong to particular groups. In such an environment, all workers are valued and respected and have opportunities to develop their full potential and pursue a career path of their choice.
EEO groups are people affected by past or continuing disadvantage or discrimination in employment. As a result they may be more likely to be unemployed or working in lower paid jobs.
These groups are:
- Women
- Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders
- Members of racial, ethnic and ethnoreligious minority groups, and
- People with a disability.
http://www.eeotrust.org.nz/equal/index.cfm
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