Looking for Work in New Zealand? These Employers Are Sponsoring Foreigners

Introduction

New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and high quality of life make it a top destination for professionals worldwide. In 2025, the country is actively addressing labor shortages by recruiting foreign workers, with many employers offering visa sponsorship to fill critical roles. This blog post highlights key industries hiring international talent, specific employers known for sponsoring visas, visa pathways, and practical steps to secure a job in New Zealand. Whether you’re a skilled professional or seeking seasonal work, opportunities await in this Pacific paradise.

Why New Zealand Needs Foreign Workers

With a population of approximately 5.2 million, New Zealand faces labor shortages due to an aging workforce, emigration, and post-pandemic economic recovery. The government, through Immigration New Zealand (INZ), has streamlined visa processes like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Green List to attract talent. In 2025, changes to the AEWV, such as extended visa durations for mid-level roles (up to 3 years) and a reduced experience requirement for lower-skilled roles (two years), make it easier for foreigners to secure jobs.

Key Industries and Roles with Visa Sponsorship

Several industries are actively seeking foreign workers and offering visa sponsorship. Below are the top sectors and roles in demand for 2025, based on INZ data and industry trends.

1. Healthcare

New Zealand’s aging population and healthcare demands drive a need for medical professionals.

• Roles: Registered nurses, general practitioners, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, radiographers.
• Visa Support: Green List roles often qualify for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence visas, with AEWV sponsorship common.
• Why Apply: Nurses earn NZD 64,000–NZD 135,000 annually, and doctors can earn over NZD 150,000. Residency pathways are a major draw.

2. Construction and Infrastructure

Infrastructure projects and housing demands fuel a construction boom.

• Roles: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors.
• Visa Support: Many roles are on the Green List or eligible for AEWV sponsorship, with a reduced domestic workforce threshold (from 35% to 15%) for hiring foreigners.
• Why Apply: Tradespeople earn NZD 60,000–NZD 100,000, with opportunities for overtime and project-based work.

3. Information Technology (IT)

New Zealand’s growing tech hubs in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch need digital talent.

• Roles: Software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, IT project managers.
• Visa Support: Green List roles with AEWV sponsorship or residency pathways.
• Why Apply: Salaries range from NZD 90,000–NZD 150,000, with a collaborative work culture and excellent work-life balance.

4. Agriculture and Horticulture

Agriculture, a backbone of New Zealand’s economy, relies on seasonal and long-term workers.

• Roles: Dairy farm workers, fruit pickers, vineyard workers, agricultural engineers.
• Visa Support: Seasonal Work Visas, Specific Purpose Work Visas, or AEWV for longer-term roles.
• Why Apply: Salaries start at NZD 50,000–NZD 70,000, often with accommodation included. Seasonal roles suit those seeking temporary work.

5. Education

The education sector faces shortages, particularly in STEM and early childhood teaching.

• Roles: Early childhood educators, primary/secondary teachers (STEM-focused).
• Visa Support: Green List roles with Straight to Residence or Work to Residence options.
• Why Apply: Teachers earn NZD 60,000–NZD 100,000, with generous holidays and community engagement.

6. Hospitality and Tourism

Tourism’s resurgence has increased demand for hospitality workers.

• Roles: Chefs, hotel managers, tour guides, baristas.
• Visa Support: AEWV sponsorship for skilled roles like chefs; seasonal visas for others.
• Why Apply: Salaries range from NZD 50,000–NZD 80,000, with opportunities in scenic locations.

Employers Sponsoring Foreign Workers

Below is a curated list of accredited employers and organizations in New Zealand known for sponsoring foreign workers in 2025, based on industry insights and INZ’s accredited employer list.

Healthcare

• Auckland District Health Board (ADHB): New Zealand’s largest health provider, hiring nurses, doctors, and specialists with AEWV and Green List sponsorship.
• Southern Cross Healthcare: A leading private healthcare network offering roles for nurses and allied health professionals, with visa support.
• Trust Homecare: Recruits care workers with sponsorship and skilled worker visa options.

Construction and Infrastructure

• Fletcher Construction: A major construction firm hiring engineers and tradespeople, offering AEWV sponsorship for roles like civil engineers.
• Downer New Zealand: Involved in infrastructure projects, sponsoring workers in engineering and construction roles.
• WSP New Zealand: A global engineering consultancy hiring civil and structural engineers with visa support.
• Beca Group: Offers roles in various engineering disciplines, often sponsoring AEWV applications.
• Tonkin + Taylor: A leading environmental and engineering consultancy providing visa sponsorship for skilled engineers.

Information Technology

• Datacom: One of New Zealand’s largest tech firms, hiring IT professionals with AEWV sponsorship.
• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare: Recruits software and hardware engineers for healthcare technology, offering visa support.
• Orion Health: A global health IT leader, sponsoring tech talent for software development roles.
• Spark New Zealand: A telecommunications giant hiring for software development and network engineering with visa sponsorship.

Agriculture and Horticulture

• Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE): INZ’s RSE scheme includes employers in horticulture and viticulture offering Seasonal Work Visas for roles like fruit picking and vineyard work. Check INZ’s RSE list for approved employers.
• Fonterra: A major dairy cooperative, hiring dairy farm workers and agricultural engineers with AEWV sponsorship.

Education

• New Zealand Schools: Many primary and secondary schools, especially in Auckland and Wellington, sponsor teachers for Green List roles via AEWV or residency pathways.
• Early Childhood Education Providers: Organizations like BestStart and Kindercare sponsor early childhood educators.

Hospitality and Tourism

• Accor Hotels: A global hospitality chain operating in New Zealand, sponsoring chefs and hotel managers under AEWV.
• SkyCity Entertainment Group: Sponsors roles in hospitality and customer service at its Auckland and Queenstown locations.

Visa Pathways for Sponsored Jobs

New Zealand offers several visa options for foreign workers, with sponsorship often tied to accredited employers. Key pathways in 2025 include:

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• Eligibility: Requires a job offer from an accredited employer, health and character checks, and relevant qualifications/experience.
• Duration: Up to 3 years for ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles, with extensions or residency pathways.
• Key Features: From March 2025, employers must pay at least the minimum wage (NZD 23.50/hour from April 2025) instead of the median wage, with market-rate parity for migrants.
• Note: The income threshold for sponsoring dependents increases to NZD 55,844 annually from March 2025.

2. Green List Visas

• Straight to Residence: Immediate residency for high-demand roles (e.g., doctors, engineers).
• Work to Residence: Work for two years before applying for residency.
• Eligibility: Job offer in a Green List role with required qualifications/experience.
• Key Features: Streamlined processing for roles like nurses, teachers, and IT professionals.

3. Seasonal Work Visa

• Eligibility: Job offer from an RSE-approved employer in horticulture/viticulture.
• Duration: Up to 7 months within an 11-month period.
• Key Features: Ideal for seasonal roles, with some employers offering pathways to AEWV.

4. Specific Purpose Work Visa

• Eligibility: Job offer for short-term or project-based work.
• Duration: Typically 6–12 months.
• Key Features: Suits temporary roles with potential to transition to longer-term visas.

How to Find Sponsored Jobs

Securing a job with visa sponsorship requires a strategic approach:

1. Check INZ’s Accredited Employer List: Verify if an employer is accredited on the INZ website (immigration.govt.nz).
2. Use Job Portals: Seek (seek.co.nz), Trade Me Jobs (trademe.co.nz/jobs), and Jora (nz.jora.com) list visa-sponsored roles.
3. Work with Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like Alpha Recruitment, Madison Recruitment, and Working In New Zealand connect foreigners with accredited employers.
4. Network on LinkedIn: Join groups like “New Zealand Jobs for Expats” and connect with recruiters.
5. Attend Job Fairs: Virtual or in-person fairs by Workhere New Zealand or similar organizations offer direct employer access.
6. Tailor Your CV: Use New Zealand-style CVs (no headshot, include two references, highlight international experience).

Application Process

1. Secure a Job Offer: Ensure the employer is accredited and the role meets INZ requirements.
2. Gather Documents: Provide a passport, qualifications, experience proof, health certificates, and police clearance.
3. Apply via INZ Portal: Submit your visa application online; processing takes 3–8 weeks for AEWV.
4. Pay Fees: Visa fees range from NZD 700–NZD 1,500.
5. Note: From March 31, 2025, visa applications prepared by unlicensed advisers will be declined, so use licensed professionals or apply directly.

Benefits of Working in New Zealand

• Work-Life Balance: Emphasis on personal time with generous leave policies.
• Stunning Environment: Access to natural wonders like Fiordland and Tongariro National Park.
• Inclusive Culture: Multicultural society with respect for Māori heritage.
• Residency Pathways: Many roles lead to permanent residency.

Challenges to Consider

• Cost of Living: High in cities like Auckland; rural areas are more affordable but isolated.
• Geographic Isolation: International travel can be expensive and time-consuming.
• Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to New Zealand’s relaxed pace and Māori customs may take time.

Practical Tips for Success

• Research Regions: Auckland offers urban opportunities, while Queenstown suits tourism roles.
• Learn Māori Culture: Understanding te reo Māori and customs aids integration.
• Budget for Relocation: Expect NZD 3,000–NZD 5,000 for initial costs (flights, accommodation).
• Join Expat Communities: Platforms like Expat.com and Meetup provide support.

Success Stories

1. Emma, a Nurse from the UK: Emma secured a role with ADHB via a recruitment agency, obtaining a Green List Straight to Residence visa. She now enjoys Auckland’s vibrant lifestyle and plans to settle permanently.
2. Rahul, an Engineer from India: Rahul joined Fletcher Construction on an AEWV, sponsored for his civil engineering expertise. He’s working on major infrastructure projects and exploring residency options.

Conclusion

New Zealand in 2025 is a land of opportunity for foreign workers, with accredited employers like ADHB, Fletcher Construction, Datacom, and Fonterra offering visa sponsorship across healthcare, construction, IT, agriculture, education, and hospitality. With streamlined visa pathways like the AEWV and Green List, plus a welcoming culture and stunning environment, it’s an ideal time to pursue a career in New Zealand. Start by checking INZ’s accredited employer list, exploring job portals, and tailoring your CV. For more details, visit immigration.govt.nz or contact recruiters like Working In New Zealand. Your Kiwi adventure awaits!