'Uber for jobseekers' helping handymen and women earn an extra buck

An app described as an "uber for job seekers" is providing New Zealanders with an easy out from doing the odd jobs they don't want to, while giving others a chance to earn an extra buck.

Named Kwota, the work outsourcing app allows people to post odd jobs they want doing. Typical jobs posted on the app ranged from ironing shirts to building a fence.

Then there were a gigs that were a little more unusual - including one person looking for two actors to play the role of a horse at a Melbourne Cup event.

Job-posters could then sit back with their feet up while they watch bids for the work roll in. On the flipside, users after a few extra take their pick of jobs and offer whatever price they're willing to charge.

A bidding war of sorts sometimes ensued and the job-poster would take their pick of who they want to do the work.

Self-proclaimed "Jill of all trades" Shae Frost joined the platform to earn some extra money on the side of her job as a caregiver in Auckland.

"I'm quite flexible with how I plan my days and the way the app works is so simple. If you want to do a job you can, but you make it work for you."

Frost said the nature of the work allowed her to fit it into her life as she pleased, picking up extra jobs as frequently as she needed or wanted the extra funds.

So far the Henderson-based single mum has weeded gardens, ironed shirts, cleaned out gutters and fixed a washing machine. She also spent an afternoon playing "butler" for ZM's Jase and PJ.

Recently she has had a new motivation to bid for more jobs.

"I've got a trip coming up to America, so any spare spending money would be nice."

Kwota was launched 3 months ago by local entrepreneurs David Nixon and Michael Batty. Nixon described the app as platform allowing Kiwis to make money and also save time.

Users picked their own jobs or set their own terms and conditions for work others completed for them. Running on a business model similar to Uber's, Kwota took a 15 per cent commission from the pay its workers received.

Other than that, the service was free to use - all you needed to set yourself up was an IRD number.

A star-rating system was also similar to that used by the smartphone-based taxi service.

"Workers received a star rating for their work, similarly to Uber, and then others can choose them for their own jobs based on this", Nixon explained.

Nixon said the platform would cater for workers that need flexibility - especially those with health issues that might prevent them from working the hours demanded by a regular job.

"Kwota has the ability to help lots of people who aren't afraid of hard work, but struggle to get it through traditional channels."