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New Zealand Jobs For Foreigners 2025

New Zealand Accredited Employers Hiring in 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Visa Sponsorship

Are you dreaming of a new life in Aotearoa (New Zealand) but feeling overwhelmed by shifting immigration rules? You aren’t alone. 2025 marks one of the most significant years in New Zealand’s immigration history. The old ANZSCO system has been completely replaced by the National Occupation List (NOL), and major updates have been made to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This means that if you know where to look, the “Kiwi Dream” is now more accessible than ever.

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In this guide, we will break down which top accredited employers are hiring right now, which industries on the Green List are in high demand, and the secret keywords that will help you land an interview.

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Major 2025 Policy Shifts: What Job Seekers Must Know

New Zealand’s recruitment landscape has undergone a massive “modernization” drive. Here are the three pillars of the 2025 shift:

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  • NOL Replaces ANZSCO: Throughout late 2024 and 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has fully transitioned to the National Occupation List (NOL). This system is more modern and aligns job titles with contemporary skill sets.
  • Wage Requirement Overhaul: In March 2025, the government removed the strict “median wage” requirement for many AEWV roles. Employers must now pay the market rate, making it easier for mid-skilled workers to qualify.
  • Reduced Experience Barriers: For many Level 4-5 roles, the required work experience has been slashed from 3 years to just 2 years, providing a fantastic opportunity for early-career professionals.

Top New Zealand Accredited Employers (2025 Hiring)

To obtain an AEWV, it is mandatory to have a job offer from an employer “accredited” by INZ. These are some of the top companies actively hiring in 2025:

Aviation, Transport, and Logistics

  • Air New Zealand: Constantly seeking aircraft technicians and specialized ground staff.
  • Mainfreight: High demand for logistics coordinators and supply chain managers.
  • Freightways Group: Actively recruiting for transport and operations roles.

Healthcare and Community Support

  • Ryman Healthcare: One of the largest employers for aged care nurses and support workers.
  • ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation): Hiring for clinical and administrative roles remains ongoing.
  • Access Community Health: An excellent option for community support and home care professionals.

Construction and Infrastructure

  • Downer NZ & Fulton Hogan: These big names sponsor civil engineers, project managers, and heavy machinery operators.
  • Legacy Construction: Focused on skilled trades and site management.

Food, Agriculture, and Primary Industries

  • Fonterra: New Zealand’s dairy giant frequently sponsors science and engineering professionals.
  • AFFCO & Alliance Group: Conducting large-scale hiring for meat processing and primary industry roles.

New Seasonal Worker Pathways (Late 2025)

As of December 8, 2025, two new visa streams have opened for seasonal industries (such as fruit picking or tourism):

  • Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV): A 3-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers (those with 3+ seasons of experience).
  • Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV): A 7-month visa for entry-level roles (those with 1+ season of experience).

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check the NOL: Use the Statistics NZ “Aria” tool to find your 2025 occupation code.
  2. Target Accredited Employers: Use the "Accredited Employer" filter when searching on Seek.co.nz.
  3. Secure a Job Check Token: Once you receive a job offer, the employer will provide a “Job Token” necessary for your visa application.
  4. Gather Evidence: Prepare documents proving your 2 years of experience or relevant degree.

Interactive Poll: Which industry are you targeting?

  • [ ] Healthcare and Medicine
  • [ ] Construction and Engineering
  • [ ] ICT and Digital Technology
  • [ ] Agriculture and Seasonal Work
  • [ ] Education

Also Read:Canada’s Sustainable Construction Jobs: 2026 PNP Opportunities.

(FAQs): New Zealand Jobs For Foreigners 2025

  1. Can I apply for a visa without a job offer?

    For the AEWV, no. You must first secure a job from an accredited employer. However, for Tier 1 Green List roles, you can apply for residency almost immediately once you have that job offer.

  2. What is the minimum salary for a visa in 2025?

    Most roles now follow the market rate. For residency pathways, as of August 18, 2025, the new threshold has been set at $33.56 per hour.

  3. Do I need an English test for the new seasonal visas?

    Formal English testing is not currently required for the GWSV and PSV pathways.

Conclusion and Next Steps

New Zealand’s 2025 immigration reforms are designed to fill skill gaps faster than ever. If you target the right employers and align your profile with the NOL, your chances of success are very high.

Ready to start?

  • Share this guide with friends who want to move to NZ.
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Disclaimer: This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Please verify details from the official employer or the Immigration New Zealand website before applying.

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