New Zealand is a dream destination for many immigrants — not just for its breathtaking scenery and peaceful lifestyle, but also for its growing economy and welcoming immigration policies. In 2025, New Zealand continues to open its doors to skilled and unskilled foreign workers due to labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, IT, and hospitality.
Whether you’re a nurse, software developer, farm worker, or chef, there are numerous job opportunities across the country. This article offers a comprehensive look into jobs for immigrants in New Zealand in 2025, visa options, salary expectations, in-demand industries, and practical tips for getting hired.
Why New Zealand Needs Immigrants in 2025
New Zealand faces an aging population and an ongoing skill shortage in both urban and rural regions. The country is actively recruiting immigrants to fill positions in public services, infrastructure development, and seasonal industries.
Key Reasons:
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Skilled worker shortages in critical sectors
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Agricultural and seasonal labor demands
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Post-pandemic recovery and economic growth
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Expansion in digital infrastructure and green energy
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Migration targets to balance population aging
Top Industries Hiring Immigrants in New Zealand (2025)
1. Healthcare and Social Services
Healthcare remains the most important and understaffed sector. From hospitals to aged care facilities, New Zealand is constantly looking for qualified immigrants.
In-demand roles:
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Registered Nurse
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Healthcare Assistant
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Aged Care Worker
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Physiotherapist
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Medical Laboratory Scientist
Average salary: NZD $55,000 – $100,000/year
Visa pathways: Accredited Employer Work Visa, Green List pathways
2. Construction and Infrastructure
New Zealand has committed to a national infrastructure pipeline including roads, bridges, schools, and housing, all of which need skilled labor.
In-demand roles:
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Electrician
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Plumber
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Carpenter
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Civil Engineer
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Construction Project Manager
Average salary: NZD $50,000 – $90,000/year
Visa pathways: Accredited Employer Work Visa, Green List Tier 1 & 2
3. Information Technology
With digital transformation underway, the tech sector is expanding. Startups and multinationals are recruiting software engineers, IT support, and cybersecurity experts.
In-demand roles:
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Software Developer
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Network Engineer
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Cloud Specialist
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Data Analyst
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IT Support Technician
Average salary: NZD $70,000 – $120,000/year
Visa pathways: Green List Tier 1, Accredited Employer Work Visa
4. Agriculture and Horticulture
The farming sector, particularly in remote regions, relies heavily on immigrant labor for fruit picking, livestock care, and general farm work.
In-demand roles:
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Dairy Farm Assistant
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Fruit Picker
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Farm Equipment Operator
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Vineyard Worker
Average salary: NZD $35,000 – $55,000/year
Visa pathways: Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, AEWV (temporary)
5. Hospitality and Tourism
As tourism rebounds, hotels, resorts, and restaurants are restaffing. Seasonal and long-term roles are available for qualified and willing workers.
In-demand roles:
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Chef / Cook
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Waiter / Waitress
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Housekeeper
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Tour Guide
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Front Desk Manager
Average salary: NZD $40,000 – $60,000/year
Visa pathways: AEWV, Working Holiday Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa
Work Visa Options for Immigrants in New Zealand (2025)
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
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Requires a job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
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Must meet the wage threshold of NZD $29.66/hour (2025 average).
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Valid for up to 3 years, renewable.
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Leads to residency if job is on the Green List.
Green List Work to Residence Visa
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For occupations in high demand.
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Two tiers:
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Tier 1: Fast-track to residency after 2 years.
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Tier 2: Eligible for residency after 2 years of work in New Zealand.
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Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
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For temporary work in horticulture and viticulture.
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Work up to 7 months/year.
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Often includes accommodation and meals.
Working Holiday Visa
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For citizens of eligible countries (aged 18–30 or 35).
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Valid for 12–36 months depending on nationality.
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Allows casual and seasonal work.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
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Points-based pathway to permanent residency.
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Requires a job offer and skills assessment.
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Strong English language and education required.
How to Find Jobs in New Zealand as an Immigrant
Step 1: Prepare a New Zealand-Style CV
NZ resumes should be short (1–2 pages), personalized, and skills-focused. Include:
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Personal summary
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Work experience
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Education
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Skills & certifications
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Referees (references)
Step 2: Register on Job Boards
Step 3: Target Accredited Employers
Only accredited employers can sponsor AEWVs. Look for job ads mentioning:
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“We’re an accredited employer”
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“Visa sponsorship available”
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“Green List opportunity”
Step 4: Network and Apply
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Use LinkedIn to connect with New Zealand recruiters.
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Join migrant-focused Facebook groups and communities.
Top Cities and Regions for Jobs in New Zealand
| City/Region | Industries Hiring | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | IT, Healthcare, Finance, Hospitality | Largest city, diverse workforce |
| Wellington | Government, Tech, Creative Arts | Capital city, strong economy |
| Christchurch | Construction, Engineering, Healthcare | Rebuilding post-earthquakes |
| Hamilton | Agriculture, Logistics, Manufacturing | Growing tech and agri-business hub |
| Queenstown | Tourism, Food Services | Popular tourist destination |
| Rural Otago/Bay of Plenty | Farming, Horticulture | Seasonal and permanent farm jobs |
All workers, including immigrants, are protected under NZ employment law.
Key rights include:
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Fair pay (at least NZD $23.15/hour in 2025)
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Paid sick leave and annual leave (minimum 4 weeks)
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Safe working conditions
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Freedom from discrimination or harassment
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Right to join a union
For more information, visit:
https://www.employment.govt.nz
Language and Qualification Tips
Language Requirements:
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Most jobs require English proficiency.
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Healthcare and education roles may require IELTS or OET scores.
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Language support available through migrant centers and employers.
Qualification Recognition:
Some professions (like doctors, nurses, teachers) need registration with regulatory bodies:
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Nursing Council of New Zealand
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Engineering New Zealand
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Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
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Medical Council of New Zealand
Use https://www.nzqa.govt.nz to assess your qualifications.
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| High cost of housing | Start in rural or regional areas with lower costs |
| Cultural adaptation | Attend migrant orientation programs |
| Credential recognition delays | Apply early and use NZQA or industry registration |
| Finding visa sponsors | Use the official accredited employer list |
| Language barrier | Take free English language courses |
Fatima – Nurse from the Philippines
Fatima got a job with an aged care home in Wellington through a recruiter. After passing the English exam and gaining registration, she now earns NZD $80,000/year and plans to apply for residency in 2026.
Daniel – IT Specialist from Nigeria
Daniel moved to Auckland on a Green List AEWV. He works in cybersecurity and was invited for residency after 18 months on the job.
Juan – Farm Worker from Colombia
Juan joined a dairy farm in Otago under the RSE scheme. His employer sponsored him for a long-term visa after 2 seasons.
Tips to Increase Your Hiring Chances
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Apply to Green List occupations – You’ll get visa priority.
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Take an English test early (IELTS, PTE) – Required for most skilled visa applications.
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Be open to regional locations – Many employers outside cities offer support.
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Get your qualifications assessed – Essential for professional roles.
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Customize your application – Tailor each CV and cover letter to the job.
Path to Permanent Residency
Many immigrants start on a temporary work visa and later apply for residency through:
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Skilled Migrant Category
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Work to Residence (Green List)
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Partnership or Family Sponsorship
After 2–5 years in New Zealand, you may be eligible for Permanent Residency, which gives you:
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Unrestricted work rights
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Access to public services
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Travel freedom
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Eligibility to apply for citizenship
Conclusion
New Zealand is a land of opportunity for immigrants looking to work, live, and thrive in a supportive and scenic environment. With a growing need for foreign workers in healthcare, agriculture, construction, IT, and tourism, the country offers multiple legal pathways to employment and permanent residency.
Whether you’re looking for a skilled job in the city or seasonal work on a rural farm, New Zealand’s labor market in 2025 is ready for you. With preparation, language readiness, and the right application strategy, your dream of working in New Zealand can become a reality.
