Opportunities to become a chauffeur have declined.

Businesses, tourists and the general public are spending less on luxury services, such as limousine hire, since the economic recession of 2008-2009. As a result, some limousine hire companies have held off hiring new staff.

Decline in international visitors affects limousine hire companies

Most limousine hire companies depend on business from overseas visitors, with some exclusively catering to this market. In the year to September 2009, international visitor numbers fell by 2% from the previous year. The economic recession and fear of catching H1N1 flu contributed to this decline.

Most chauffeurs are employed by limousine rental companies.

The branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs responsible for transporting members of Parliament – VIP Transport Service – also employs a large number of chauffeurs.

Some chauffeurs are self-employed.

Chauffeurs work in most large New Zealand towns and cities. However, most are employed in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where demand is greatest because of population.