In most cases, depending on the nationality of the applicant, the visa holder can work in New Zealand for up to one year. For most nationalities, there will be a condition that the visa holder can only work for a specific employer for a maximum of three months. This encourages foreign workers to gain exposure to different work environments in New Zealand with diverse employers and work colleagues.

Along with enabling a visa holder to engage in employment, the working holiday visa also enables them to undertake short-term study for up to six months. In many cases, this allows for the worker to undertake work and study simultaneously, especially for short-term courses such as English language certificates.

A prospective foreign worker would need to hold comprehensive medical insurance over the duration of their visa along with holding sufficient funds for their maintenance and daily expenses.

For certain nationalities, such as Canadian citizens and British Citizens, applicants may be able to extend their visas for a total duration of 23 months and 36 months, respectively.

Once a worker has used their maximum entitlement under the Working holidays scheme, amounting to 12 months for most nationalities, and 23 months and 36 months for Canadian and British Citizens, they are unable to apply for a further visa of the same category.

However, should any visa holder wish to remain in New Zealand for a longer duration, they are able to explore other visa categories including a fee-paying student visa and an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

The post No Job Offer? No Problem. Working Holiday Visas Explained appeared first on Corban Revell.

Corban Revell lawyer Ritvik Roop says limited licences can be a lifeline for those facing driving disqualification in New Zealand. “Limited licences are designed to help people keep their livelihoods afloat during the disqualification period,” he explains. “They allow driving in carefully defined circumstances, so someone isn’t left stranded when they really need to be on the road.”

What Are Limited Licences?

A limited licence is a special permit issued for the period a person’s licence is disqualified. This is generally between six months and one year depending on the offence, and enables someone to drive despite their licence being disqualified. While many associate these licences with drink driving offences, they’re also available for other disqualifications such as drug driving, accumulating excessive demerit points, or even driving while unlicensed.

“But these licences aren’t handed out lightly,” Ritvik warns. “Applicants need to prove they would suffer ‘extreme hardship’ if they can’t drive, and that others close to them, like employers or family members, would suffer ‘undue hardship’ as a result.”

Proving Hardship Isn’t Always Straightforward

The process to get a limited licence can be challenging. Sometimes, the prosecution will argue a person doesn’t meet the threshold for undue hardship. “If it’s a first-time offender and the hardship is clear, they often meet the requirements,” Ritvik says. “But every case is unique.”

The court considers many factors when deciding whether to grant a limited licence, including:

• The radius within which the applicant needs to travel
• Specific start and finish times for work or caregiving
• Why public transport or other options aren’t feasible
• How the disqualification would affect any employees or others dependent on the applicant

“These licences are very prescriptive,” Ritvik notes. “You’re only allowed to drive when and where the court approves, and it’s critical to be exact about your needs and circumstances.”

Common Misconceptions

One surprise for many is that you don’t always have to attend court to get a limited licence. “If you can clearly demonstrate undue hardship, sometimes the application can be handled without a formal hearing,” Ritvik explains. “But that depends on the specifics and whether the prosecution opposes the application.”

Where the Litigation and Employment Law Teams Help

The process can be complex and daunting, which is why the Litigation team at Corban Revell specialises in guiding clients through the legal hurdles of applying for a limited licence. “We help put forward strong, well-documented cases to maximise the chance of success,” Ritvik says.

At the same time, the Employment Law team plays a role when the driving disqualification impacts workplace arrangements. “If a person’s job depends on driving, or if they employ others who would be affected, employment law advice can help manage those challenges,” Ritvik explains. “It’s about protecting both the individual and their business or staff.”

Why Early Advice Matters

Ritvik stresses that getting legal help early can make a real difference. “Mistakes or misunderstandings during the application can be costly and hard to fix later,” he says. “It’s important to understand exactly what evidence you need and how to present it.”

Whether you’re an employee needing to commute, a tradesperson relying on your vehicle, or a business owner whose staff depends on your driving, a limited licence may offer a vital way forward, but only when the hardship is genuine.

Need advice on applying for a limited licence?

You don’t have to face this on your own. If your ability to work, care for family, or run a business is at risk, expert legal support can provide clarity and help you put forward the strongest case possible.

Reach out to Ritvik for a confidential discussion about your situation and options.

The post When Driving Disqualification Hits Hard: What You Need to Know About Limited Licences appeared first on Corban Revell.