The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes have made visa sponsorship for unskilled employment in New Zealand (2025) more accessible. The AEWV eliminated its median-wage requirement on March 10, 2025. Employers are now required to pay the minimum wage (NZD 23.50/hr) and match local market rates. Additionally, the required experience was reduced from three to two years, the visa duration was extended to three years for ANZSCO Level 4–5 roles, and recruitment checks were simplified.
Job Details:
- Position: Unskilled Laborer
- Location: Various locations throughout New Zealand
- Visa Sponsorship Available: Yes
Requirements:
- Skilled occupations typically entail the lowest level of the job or the commencement of a formal education.
- Nevertheless, candidates must demonstrate a dedication to adaptability, dependability, and a willingness to learn, despite the necessity of these qualities.
- Certainly for positions that involve customers, fluency in English is frequently considered a prerequisite.
- According to the nature of the position, the qualifications and skills that are relevant to the position will vary. These are typically selected during on-the-job training.
Benefits:
- Schedule:
It’s quite frequent that an unskilled job has a predictable schedule and allows you to enjoy your free time as New Zealand is not short of sightseeing places and a great cultural vibe. - Opportunity for Growth:
In essence, this position may be junior or lower but it is also an entry point to better positions both in the company and the job market. - Social Integration:
While obtaining unskilled jobs creates an occasion for meeting J3Kernals locals and expats, it contributes to the building of a community. - Health and Safety Standards:
New Zealand implements high regulations level for workplace safety and employees’ rights to make sure the workplace is reserved for everyone.
Duties:
- Customer service
- Routine administrative obligations
- For instance, bricklaying, gardening, and cleaning are all examples of manual labor.
- Food preparation and service
- Assistance with retail sales
Salary:
The wages for unskilled work in New Zealand range from the minimum wage to barely above it, depending on factors such as the location, industry, and employer. The country of New Zealand mandated a minimum hourly wage of $20.00 . The adjusted wages are distinct for each age group and level of experience. The cost of living in New Zealand is typically flexible, despite the fact that unskilled employment may not be highly compensated.
Types of Jobs:
- Retail Assistant: The responsibilities of this position are contingent upon the specific position, but they typically involve the execution of tasks as required, such as assisting customers, stocking shelves, or processing transactions in retail stores.
- Catering to customers, cleaning, and serving hot food and beverages are all responsibilities of the hospitality staff in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
- Fruit Picking/Farm Work: Seasons will be employed in the agricultural industry, where they will be able to perform a variety of tasks, including fruit picking, packing, and general farm work.
- Housekeeping/Cleaning: The necessity of cleaners to maintain the appropriate level of cleanliness and hygiene is established in hotels, offices, and residential structures.
- Construction Laborer: The construction work is primarily characterized by the provision of services related to site clean-up, material handling, and assisting tradespeople.
- A delivery driver is an additional opportunity for individuals with a valid driver’s license to earn money by traveling for courier services or food delivery agencies.
- Warehouse Workers: These employees are referred to as order shippers or goods managers, and they are responsible for either loading or unloading goods from containers.
- Caregiver/Support Worker: The caregiver’s responsibility is to provide support to patients or clients by conducting daily tasks and providing company, while also remaining playful.
- Kitchen Hand: The responsibilities of a newcomer in a kitchen include the cutting, cooking, and washing of dishes, all while maintaining a sanitary environment.
- Landscaping/Gardening Assistant: The duties of an outdoor laborer include the maintenance of gardens, planting, and mowing grass.
Also Check : New Zealand Work VISA Application Process and Requirements
How to Apply?
It is undeniable that unskilled positions in New Zealand can assist in the employment of migrants and provide them with the opportunity to experience the region’s straightforward culture. These positions may be quite demanding and may not necessitate any particular skills, but they provide an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development. New Zealand is an extremely appealing destination for adventure enthusiasts due to its competitive recruitment process, diverse employment offerings, and ability to sponsor visas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What visa is needed for unskilled jobs?
Foreigners can apply under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or Essential Skills Work Visa for lower-skilled roles. Employers must be accredited and demonstrate they’ve attempted to hire local workers first.
Which unskilled roles are eligible for sponsorship?
Commonly sponsored positions include:
Hospitality: cooks, kitchen hands, cleaners
Agriculture: fruit pickers, farm laborers
Manufacturing/logistics: general assembly, warehouse work
Caregiving and retail assistants
Job listings on SEEK, Indeed, and Jora (e.g., back‑of‑house kitchen roles, warehouse operator jobs) frequently include visa sponsorship.What requirements must applicants meet?
Valid passport, good health, and clean police record.
Basic English proficiency is generally needed due to changes introduced in early .
Must show relevant experience, physical ability for manual roles, and character checks.
