New Zealand Farm & Factory Jobs With Visa Support

New Zealand Farm & Factory Jobs With Visa Support

Are you looking for a fresh start in a country that values your hard work? In 2025, New Zealand has changed its migration rules to make it easier for international person to change critical roles in business and business.1

Whether you’re an older Dairy Herd Manager or a starter looking for Meat Processing Jobs, the new Global Workforce and Peak Seasonal Visas open in December 2025 have open doors that were previously closed.2 This guide breaks down just how to secured a job with visa sponsorship and travel the new 2025 “Market Rate” pay rules.

New Visa Pathways for 2025

On December 8, 2025, Migration New Zealand (INZ) inform two special streams under the AEWV model.3 These are planned generally for the “backbone” industries: Land and factory work.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

This is for the “pros.” If you have agreeable content in seasonal roles, this visa offers long-term order without the need for a degree.4

Duration: Valid for 3 years.5

  • Experience Needed: At least 3 seasons in the last 6 years.6
  • The Catch: You must leave NZ for at least 3 months every year.7
  • Roles: Agricultural Technicians, Winemakers, Senior Meat Slaughterers.8

The 2025 “Market Rate” Revolution

One of the large changes in March 2025 was the removal of the median wage requirement for Level 4 and 5 roles (most farm and factory jobs).13

Previously, use had to pay a high “median wage” ($29.66+) even for entry-level roles.14 Now, you must be paying the Market Rate. This means you are cashed the same as a Kiwi doing the same job, starting from the NZ Minimum Wage ($23.50/hr).

  • Why this helps you: Employers are now more glad to sponsor international workers because the wage need are earthy and tied to the actual industry standards.

Top Industries Hiring with Visa Support

New Zealand’s economy relies on exports. Here is where the “Visa Sponsorship” Mark are most common in late 2025:

Dairy & Livestock Farming

New Zealand is the world’s largest dairy bourgeois. Roles like Dairy Herd Manager are on the Green List (Tier 2), meaning you can apply for Work to Residence after 24 months of work.15

  • Key Locations: Kwaito, Canterbury, and South land.
  • LSI Keywords: Herd Manager, Relief Milker, Calf Rearing.

Meat & Seafood Processing

The Meat Processing Sector Agreement continues to give a pathway for boners, slicers, and kill.

  • Benefit: These roles often come with “Decision-Ready” application status if you apply through a high-volume Accredited Employer.
  • LSI Keywords: Meat Boner, Halal Butcher, Seafood Process Worker.

Horticulture & Viticulture

From the farm of Marlborough to the orchards of Hawk’s Bay, the Horticulture Post-Harvest Supervisor role is now a accepted skilled role under the new National Occupation List (NOL).16

How to Apply for Visa Support

  • Find an Accredited Employer: You cannot get a work visa without a job offer from an leader that holds INZ Certification.17 Use sites like Seek.co.NZ or Weatherpersons.co.NZ and filter for “Visa Sponsorship.”
  • Verify Your Experience: For the GWSV, collect tax records or reference letters proving your 3 seasons of work.18
  • Check the NOL Code: Ensure your job offer uses the correct National Occupation List (NOL) code (effective Nov 3, 2025).19
  • Health & Character: Get your Police Certificates early.20 INZ now requires these at the time of mind to avoid “Requests for Information” (Rf Is).

FAQ

Do I need IELTS for farm jobs in 2025?

For the GWSV and PSV, no English test is needed.21 However, for a standard AEWV in Level 4–5 roles, you mostly need to show English ability.

Can I bring my family?

Seasonal visas (GWSV/PSV) do not allow for helpless or mate visas. If you want to take family, you should aim for a standard AEWV in a Level 1–3 role or a Green List role.

What is the 5-year limit (MCS)?

Most farm/factory workers on an AEWV can stay for a maximum of 5 years.22 After this, you must pay 12 months outside NZ unless you have secured a post pathway.

Conclusion

As we move through 2025, it’s clear that New Zealand remains a land of immense opportunity for those willing to contribute to its core industries. The launch of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) in December 2025 has created the most streamlined entry point for farm and factory workers in years.

Disclaimer: 

This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. Please verify details from the official employer or government website before applying.

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