Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by TrendyAcads

“New Zealand recorded more than 90,000 labour shortages across food production, manufacturing, packaging, logistics, and agriculture in 2024.” — New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

New Zealand continues to expand its manufacturing and food-processing industries, and many local employers are struggling to fill roles. Due to labour shortages and a growing export market, the country is increasingly hiring foreigners for factory jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025—mainly through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

If you’re looking for a stable, well-paid, and accessible job abroad, New Zealand offers one of the cleanest environments, strong labour protections, supportive employers, and a clear route to residency for eligible applicants.

This guide provides everything you need: salaries, requirements, employer lists, visa details, and step-by-step application instructions.

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Why New Zealand Is Hiring Factory Workers in 2025

1. Labour shortages across industries

Sectors like food production, meat processing, dairy, plastics, and packaging are struggling to find staff.

2. Export-driven manufacturing

New Zealand exports large quantities of meat, dairy, fruit products, beverages, plastics, and machinery.

3. Ageing workforce

Many older workers are retiring, leaving gaps in entry-level labour roles.

4. Accredited Employer Visa system encourages sponsorship

Thousands of employers are now government-approved to hire foreign workers.

5. Continuous growth in logistics & warehousing

Increased online shopping has boosted demand for factory-linked warehouse workers.

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What Factory Jobs Look Like in New Zealand

Factory and processing jobs typically include:

• operating basic production machinery

• packaging finished products

• cleaning production areas

• sorting materials

• labelling items

• assisting in food production lines

• loading/unloading goods

Most positions require:

• minimal or no experience

• physical ability

• basic English

• willingness to work shifts

Employers often provide:

• full training

• PPE (personal protective equipment)

• health insurance support

• stable contracts

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Top Factory Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship 2025

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1. Food Processing Factory Workers (Very High Demand)

Industries include:

• meat processing

• seafood processing

• dairy factories

• bakery and beverage production

Salary: NZD $22 – $30/hour
Regions: Canterbury, Waikato, Southland, Hawke’s Bay

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2. Production Line Assistants

Roles:

• assembling products

• feeding materials into machines

• supervising conveyor belts

Salary: NZD $22 – $28/hour

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3. Packaging & Labelling Assistants

Tasks:

• labeling goods

• packing boxes

• sealing products

• preparing items for shipping

Salary: NZD $22 – $26/hour

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4. Machine Operators (Entry Level Accepted)

Responsibilities:

• operating automated equipment

• adjusting machine settings

• basic troubleshooting

Salary: NZD $25 – $34/hour

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5. Warehouse & Logistics Factory Support

Roles:

• forklift assistants

• sorting goods

• scanning & packing

• loading/unloading trucks

Salary: NZD $23 – $30/hour

Major employers: Mainfreight, Fonterra, DHL NZ

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6. Electronics & Plastics Factory Workers

Industries:

• plastic molding

• wiring assembly

• electronics assembly

Salary: NZD $24 – $32/hour

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Visa Options for Factory Workers in New Zealand

The main visa pathway is:

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1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

This is the visa used for most factory jobs.

Requirements:

• job offer from an accredited employer

• employer pays at least NZ median wage (or role-specific exemption)

• proof of skills or experience (entry-level accepted in many roles)

• English requirements (basic)

Validity: up to 5 years, depending on the role.

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2. Seasonal Work Visa

Used for short-term roles in food processing & agricultural factories.

Duration: up to 7 months.

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3. Work to Residence Visa

If your factory job appears on the Green List or earns enough salary, you may transition to residency.

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4. Partnership Visa

If your partner works in NZ, you may obtain open work rights.

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Top Companies Hiring Factory Workers in New Zealand

Food & Dairy Factories

• Fonterra

• Silver Fern Farms

• Alliance Group

• Tip Top Ice Cream

• Goodman Fielder

Meat Processing Plants

• ANZCO Foods

• AFFCO New Zealand

Packaging & Plastics

• Pact Group

• Alto Packaging

Beverage & Bakery

• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

• Griffin’s Foods

• George Weston Foods

Logistics & Warehousing

• Mainfreight

• DHL NZ

• Toll Logistics

These companies regularly sponsor foreign workers.

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Salary Breakdown for Factory Workers in New Zealand

Overtime significantly increases take-home pay.

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Cost of Living in New Zealand (Monthly)

More affordable regions:

• Dunedin

• Invercargill

• Palmerston North

• Rotorua

Expensive:

• Auckland

• Wellington

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Requirements for Factory Jobs in New Zealand

General requirements:

• valid passport

• job offer from an accredited employer

• ability to lift 10–20 kg

• clean criminal record

• basic English

• medical test

Optional:

• forklift license

• factory experience

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Related Article:
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How to Apply for Factory Jobs in New Zealand (Step-by-Step)

1 — Prepare a New Zealand-style CV

Simple, clean, practical, achievement-focused.

2 — Apply on trusted platforms

• Seek.co.nz

• TradeMe Jobs

• Indeed NZ

• WorkHere

• LinkedIn

• Direct company career pages

3 — Interview process

Employers assess:

• English communication

• physical capability

• willingness to work shifts

4 — Employer submits Job Check & accreditation confirmation

5 — Apply for the AEWV

Documents:

• passport

• medical

• police certificate

• employment contract

6 — Wait for approval (typically 2–6 weeks)

7 — Travel to New Zealand & begin work

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Can Factory Workers Get Permanent Residency in New Zealand?

YES — depending on salary and job category.

After 2 years: Work to Residence pathway (some roles)

After 3–5 years: Skilled Residence visa (if you meet points threshold)

Family sponsorship available

Some factory workers upgrade into:

• machine technicians

• shift supervisors

• warehouse coordinators

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FAQs

1. Do New Zealand factories hire foreigners?

Yes, especially if the employer is accredited.

2. Do I need experience for factory work?

Not always — training is provided.

3. Are there age limits?

No strict age limit.

4. Do employers provide accommodation?

Some meat & food processing plants do.

5. Is English required?

Basic English is needed for safety and communication.

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Final Thoughts

Factory jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship are among the most accessible, well-paid, and stable opportunities for foreigners in 2025. With strong labour protections, supportive employers, a clean environment, and a clear visa pathway, New Zealand stands out as one of the best destinations for factory work abroad.

If you’re searching for a country offering fair wages, work-life balance, and long-term residency potential, New Zealand is an excellent choice.