Organisers of a new scheme are hoping to attract Kiwis to the Queenstown Lakes district with the promise of guaranteed work and accommodation.

Company Kiwi OE is pitching the scheme as an alternative to the Kiwi tradition of the ‘OE’ (overseas experience): You can’t go around the world for your OE, so why not come to the Queenstown Lakes?

Kiwi OE co-founder Ed Stott said the Queenstown Lakes was an obvious choice to mark the rollout of the programme because of its reputation as the world’s adventure capital.

“With Kiwis unable to go overseas, this district is one of the natural choices for stepping outside of your comfort zone and experiencing the thrill of a new environment,” Ed said.

“And we’ve got plenty of work for those interested. Kiwi OE’s built a network of businesses all supporting one another and keen to help get people into work.”

The process is designed to make everything as easy as possible for newcomers: After signing up online, interested parties travel to Queenstown, get picked up at the airport, taken to pre-booked accommodation, and meet their employer before their OE adventure begins.

Participants can sign up for between two and six weeks in the programme, with costs ranging from $199 for the ‘Bare Bones’ package (guaranteed job, free Fergburger and local discounts) to $1,739 for a full six week package that also provides six weeks accommodation, a domestic flight, a canyon swing or jetboat ride, a downhill biking experience and more. 

Ed said participants can switch jobs if they find they’re better suited for a different role; and the scheme also provides the potential for longer-term placement where suitable.

Queenstown Lakes district mayor Jim Boult said the programme would provide a boost to the local economy while encouraging Kiwis to get a taste of life in this district.

“Kiwi OE gives Kiwis everything they need to make the most of their time in our district. It’s a win for everyone; Kiwis can experience the area with all the tricky details taken care of, while employers get the staff they need at this busy time of year,” he said.

The scheme is being supported by the Business Response Group, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Queenstown and Wanaka Chambers of Commerce, Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism.

Learn more about Kiwi OE here.

PHOTO: Kiwi OE