Work with Us
Mahi tahi me mātou
Our current vacancies
About the NZSO
The NZSO is one of the world’s oldest national symphony orchestras. We have charmed audiences with memorable concerts and recordings since 1947.
Today, the NZSO is recognised as an outstanding orchestra of international stature. Our reputation for artistic excellence attracts many of the world’s leading conductors and soloists each year.
From Kerikeri to Invercargill, the NZSO is continually on the road, performing up to 100 symphonic concerts, as well as dozens of dedicated concerts for children and small communities, each year.
Our presence extends beyond concert halls, reaching schools, maraes, hospitals, parks, rest homes and even railway platforms. You’ll hear the NZSO on radio, television, in movies, and through music streaming services.
Our values
Fresh We play old music like it was written yesterday and inhabit new music in a way that’s familiar
Fearless We are not constrained by convention or location
In Front We are world-class in everything we do
He Herenga Whenua Inspired by, and connected to this awe-inspiring country, we take excellence and turn it into a shared experience for all New Zealanders.
The NZSO is for everyone, and so is our workplace
We are an equal-opportunity employer. We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusiveness and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. We are passionate about our work and value a work-life balance.
About you
You are passionate about what you do. But just as important, you align well with our organisational culture and values.
To be considered you need to legally be eligible to work in New Zealand. To learn more, visit Live and Work in New Zealand.
Why Wellington?
Charming, cosmopolitan Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and a cultural hotspot. From the thriving arts scene to the bustling café and restaurant culture, Wellington is a city that lives life to the full.
Nature is never too far away, ready for you to explore. A compact city, most Wellingtonians live within 3km of the sea and native bush. Trains, buses, roads, ferries and nature trails connect the region, making living in one area and commuting to another an easy choice. The average commute is just 25 minutes, meaning you can take advantage of biking, walking or scootering to almost anywhere!
Wellington on a good day
The ‘arts hub of New Zealand’, Wellington is also home to our friends at the Royal Ballet New Zealand, Chamber Music New Zealand and the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.
The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, showcases collections and exhibitions from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world – with free entry for everyone to the main museum.
Wellington’s reputation as the country’s ‘culinary capital’ is well deserved – boasting more cafés and restaurants per capita than New York. Each year, the city attracts food enthusiasts nationwide to the Wellington On a Plate Festival.
For an entire month, restaurants encourage visitors to 'eat curious' through hundreds of unique events, dishes, and creative cocktails. To uncover more about Wellington life, visit WellingtonNZ.
What our players and staff say about living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand
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David Chickering, Section Principal Emeritus, Cello
I first saw Wellington on a 'you can't beat Wellington on a good day' kind of day. I had known since about 1985 that I wanted to be a Kiwi and a Wellingtonian. And here I am!
Reuben Brown, Artistic Administrator
Working with the NZSO is perfectly paired with its location in Wellington. The centre of arts and culture for Aotearoa, the city offers vibrant and exclusively catered activities that truly feel unique to us. Living, working, and being part of Wellington is a rewarding and exciting experience.
Oleksandr Gunchenko, Double Bass
As we travel around NZ a lot it feels like your backyard pretty much anywhere, but Wellington as they say is the "coolest little capital of the world" and I'm very grateful to call this vibrant city my home.
Contact us
If you have any queries or require further information about working with the NZSO, please get in touch: JobVacancies@nzso.co.nz.