Last Updated on November 22, 2025 by TrendyAcads

“New Zealand’s labour market is projected to add more than 40,000 new roles annually, with agriculture, hospitality, construction, and logistics facing the biggest worker shortages.” — New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)

New Zealand continues to open its doors to foreign workers—especially in roles that don’t require a degree or specialised experience. Unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship are now one of the most reliable ways for foreigners to enter the country, gain legal employment, and build a long-term pathway to residency under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

If your goal is to relocate to New Zealand for work in 2025, this complete guide breaks down everything you need: job categories, visa options, salaries, cost of living, and how to apply from overseas.

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Why New Zealand Is Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025

New Zealand is one of the few countries experiencing nationwide labour shortages across both skilled and unskilled sectors. Key reasons include:

1. Low local population but high workforce demand

NZ has only 5 million people — not enough to fill expanding industries.

2. Post-pandemic decline in migration

Borders were closed for almost two years, causing long-term labour gaps.

3. Growing industries requiring large workforces

Especially:

• farming

• food processing

• tourism

• construction

• aged care

4. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

This visa allows approved companies to hire foreigners easily.

5. Seasonal and regional shortages

Areas like Waikato, Canterbury, Southland, and Otago constantly lack entry-level workers.

These factors make New Zealand one of the best destinations for unskilled visa sponsorship jobs.

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What Are Unskilled Jobs in New Zealand?

Unskilled or low-skilled jobs:

• Do not require a degree

• Do not require professional certification

• Accept candidates with little to no formal experience

• Provide full training

• Often come with relocation or accommodation support

Industries hiring foreigners include agriculture, food production, logistics, construction, aged care, and hospitality.

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Top Unskilled Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

Here are the most in-demand roles approved for foreign recruitment in 2025:

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1. Farm & Agricultural Workers

New Zealand’s biggest visa-sponsored sector.

Roles include:

• fruit picking

• dairy farm assistant

• livestock handler

• general farm labour

• greenhouse worker

• orchard worker

Salary: NZD $23 – $28/hour
Regions hiring: South Island, Waikato, Otago, Canterbury

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2. Meat & Food Processing Workers

Food processing plants are desperate for manpower.

Roles:

• meat packer

• poultry processing

• fish processing

• factory line worker

• packaging assistant

Salary: NZD $24 – $30/hour

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3. Hospitality & Tourism Workers

New Zealand’s tourism industry is rebounding.

Roles:

• kitchen hand

• hotel cleaner

• waiter/waitress

• dishwasher

• restaurant assistant

Salary: NZD $22 – $26/hour

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4. Warehouse & Logistics Workers

Roles:

• pickers & packers

• forklift helpers

• delivery assistants

• stockroom assistants

Salary: NZD $23 – $27/hour

Popular employers:

• Countdown

• Foodstuffs

• DHL NZ

• Fonterra Distribution Centres

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5. Construction Labourers

Due to massive housing shortages, construction labour is in high demand.

Roles:

• general labourer

• site assistant

• scaffolding helper

• building assistant

Salary: NZD $25 – $32/hour

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6. Care Support Workers

While care roles often require minimal training, many are entry-level friendly.

Roles:

• aged care assistant

• home support worker

• disability support assistant

Salary: NZD $25 – $30/hour

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Visa Routes for Unskilled Workers in New Zealand

The main pathway for unskilled jobs in New Zealand is:

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1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

This is the visa used by employers to sponsor foreign workers.

Eligibility:

• Job offer from an accredited employer

• Meets minimum wage requirements

• Skills match the job description

• Employer proves no local worker was available

Benefits:

• 2–3 year work visa

• Full-time employment

• Pathway to residency for some roles

• Ability to bring dependants (depending on job level)

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2. Seasonal Work Visa (Recognised Seasonal Employer – RSE)

For agricultural jobs lasting up to 7 months.

Perfect for:

• fruit picking

• orchard work

• harvesting

• planting

• vineyards

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3. Working Holiday Visa (For Eligible Countries)

Allows young people aged 18–35 to work in NZ temporarily.
(Not available to all nationalities.)

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Top Employers Sponsoring Unskilled Workers in New Zealand

Agriculture & Farming

• Fonterra

• Alliance Group

• Silver Fern Farms

• AFFCO New Zealand

• Turners & Growers (T&G Global)

Food Production

• ANZCO Foods

• New Zealand King Salmon

• Sealord Group

• McCain Foods

Warehousing & Logistics

• DHL NZ

• Mainfreight

• Countdown Distribution

• Foodstuffs North Island

Hospitality

• Accor Hotels

• Millennium Hotels

• SkyCity Hospitality

Aged Care

• Ryman Healthcare

• Bupa NZ

• Summerset Group

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Salary Expectations for Unskilled Workers in New Zealand

Minimum wage in NZ (2025): NZD $23.15/hour

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Cost of Living in New Zealand (Monthly)

Affordable cities:
Dunedin, Hamilton, Invercargill, Rotorua, Palmerston North

Expensive cities:
Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown

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Requirements to Apply for Unskilled Jobs

General requirements:

• Passport

• Clean medical & police record

• Basic English

• Ability to work physically

• Readiness for shift or outdoor work

Some jobs (e.g., agriculture) require:

• physical fitness

• willingness to work in remote areas

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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in New Zealand (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare a New Zealand-style CV

Simple, experience-focused, with short bullet points.

2. Apply on Verified Job Boards

Use:

• SEEK.co.nz

• TradeMe Jobs

• Indeed NZ

• Careers.govt.nz

• Employer websites

3. Filter by “Accredited Employer”

This ensures the company can sponsor your visa.

4. Attend the Interview Online

Usually straightforward — attitude matters more than experience.

5. Employer submits Job Check to Immigration NZ

6. Receive your Job Offer & Visa Application Link

7. Submit your AEWV application online

8. Travel to New Zealand and begin work

Visa processing time: 3–8 weeks

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Can Unskilled Jobs Lead to Residency?

YES — some unskilled roles can lead to permanent residency, especially:

• aged care

• construction

• meat processing

• farm work (depending on region and skill level overtime)

Your employer can upgrade your role as you gain experience.

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FAQs

1. Can foreigners get unskilled jobs in New Zealand?

Yes — especially through AEWV and RSE visas.

2. Do I need IELTS?

Most unskilled jobs require basic English only.

3. Is accommodation provided?

Many farm and seasonal roles offer subsidized housing.

4. Can I travel with family?

Some AEWV jobs qualify; seasonal roles do not.

5. Can I switch employers?

Yes — if the new employer is accredited.

New Zealand remains one of the most welcoming countries for foreign workers seeking unskilled and low-skilled job opportunities with visa sponsorship. Whether you’re exploring farming, food processing, logistics, hospitality, or care support, the country offers reliable pathways, good wages, excellent quality of life, and long-term employment stability.

If you’re planning to work abroad in 2025, New Zealand offers a clear, structured, and rewarding opportunity.