In 2025, unskilled worker roles in New Zealand are still available to overseas candidates via the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), particularly for roles such as farmhands, food processors, cleaners, kitchen hands, warehouse staff, and general laborers.
. Although recent reforms have introduced minimum experience (now as low as two years) and English language requirements for low-skilled applicants, many employers continue sponsoring eligible candidates for 2–3 year visas, depending on ANZSCO levels 4–5 classification.
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
- Basic administrative tasks
- For example, hand tasks include cleaning, gardening, and bricklaying.
- Food preparation and service
- Retail sales assistance
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: Visa Sponsorship Unskilled Jobs in Hungary – Apply Now
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:
Can overseas candidates get unskilled roles in NZ with visa sponsorship?
New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) permits employers to sponsor foreign workers for ANZSCO Levels 4–5 jobs, which include many entry-level and unskilled roles—for example, general labourers, packers, food processing jobs, and support staff, provided the employer is accredited
Note: Positions not on the Green List (i.e. not in high-skill or critical shortages) don’t qualify for residency by default, but the AEWV still allows temporary work sponsorship.What are the visa requirements (English, experience, duration)?
AEWV for Levels 4–5 roles:
Experience: Minimum 2 years for low-skill roles (reduced from 3 as of March 2025
English: Basic proficiency is now required for all low-skilled roles, ensuring you can understand workplace rights and safety rules
Visa duration: Up to 3 years continuous stay (maximum tenure reduced from 5 years)
Spousal permits: No longer automatic for partners or children in ANZSCO 4–5 rolesWhat kinds of unskilled roles are eligible?
Typical employer-sponsored roles at ANZSCO Level 4–5 include:
General Hand / Labourer in construction, horticulture, packing
Freezer Hand / Meat Plant Worker
Machine/Assembly Worker
Some roles such as packhouse or dairy farm hand are actively hiring overseas under AEWV as seen by recent approvals