About the site

In New Zealand about one in four people in the workforce were born overseas; in Auckland this figure rises to forty-five per cent of the workforce. Good communication in the workplace is key to maximising the benefits of our increasingly diverse workforce.

Women in conversation in a workplace environment

Workplace communication challenges can arise for employers, managers and new migrant employees alike. These challenges can be particularly evident for migrants from diverse culture and language backgrounds and their managers.

Worktalk has been designed to help meet these challenges and improve communication between NZ employers, managers and their new migrant employees from other cultures.

Worktalk was developed by Immigration New Zealand in collaboration with the Language in the Workplace Team, School of Linguistics & Applied Language Studies, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.


For employees

To find out more about the services and products the Government provides to support the successful settlement of skilled migrants visit the New Zealand Now website.

For employers

Taking some simple, common-sense steps to help your employee settle in will benefit both your business and your employee. For resources developed to provide both employers and new migrant employees with the information and assistance they may need, visit the Immigration NZ website.

Developed by Immigration New Zealand in collaboration with the Language in the Workplace Team, School of Linguistics & Applied Language Studies, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

In a hurry? Download a printable series of communication tips for both migrant employees and managers of migrants.

Download the PDF (PDF, 250.3 KB)

Logo Victoria University of Wellington - Update

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington’s Language in the Workplace Project investigates effective communication in the New Zealand workplace.

Read more about this project

Logo Immigration New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand also funds a free service for new migrants providing information about living in New Zealand for example, where to find a doctor, how to choose a school, understanding the health system, and clubs and community groups to join.

Information for new migrants

For information about learning English visit the New Zealand Now website, or call free 0508 558 885 (for help in your own language ask for “Language Line”).