New Zealand has thousands of jobs for foreigners according to their recently released long term skill shortage list, regional skill shortage list and construction, and infrastructure skill-shortage list in 2023.
You will see here the list of jobs that are available for foreigners as New Zealand does not have enough manpower to fill up the positions. Due to this, they have to give it to qualified and experienced foreigners who are willing to live and work in New Zealand.
Table of Contents
Why Foreigners should Live and Work in New Zealand
There are many reasons to choose New Zealand as a country to live with family and for work. It is ranked third in the world when it comes to ‘work-life balance,’ and ranked first for ‘quality of life’ according to the survey made by HSBC.
In another survey conducted also by HSBC, New Zealand ranked 2nd overall country as the best place in the world for expats and foreigners to live and work. It occupies the same spot for 4 years in a row from 2015 to 2018. Edging other expats favored countries including the likes of Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, Bahrain, Germany, and Sweden.
New Zealand is the second safest country in the world based on the details at worldpopulationreview.com. NZ ranked 2nd safest as compared to 163 other countries. One of NZ’s popular city, Auckland belongs to the top 10 greatest cities to live in based on telegraph.co.uk.
According to world.bymap.org the unemployment rate in New Zealand is just around 5.1% which is way better than the global average of 8.6%.
Aside from the rankings and surveys, New Zealand is a beautiful country. It can be attributed to its friendly and very hospitable people. Plus, the breath-taking landscape of both North and South Island which were used as the location for movies such as Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Hobbit Trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Mission Impossible 6 to name a few.
Are you one of those foreigners who are interested to find jobs in New Zealand and make it your home? You can check out the skill shortages of the aforementioned country. Maybe there are available positions that are comparable to your educational background and work experience.
New Zealand Skills Shortages for Foreigners
The list is based on the long-term and regional skills shortage list as of May 2019. The overseas qualifications must be comparable to NZ standard qualifications list.
Long Term Skill Shortage List
Construction
- Construction Project Manager
- Project Builder (including building project manager and site foreman)
- Quantity Surveyor
- Surveyor
Engineering
- Chemical Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Production or Plant Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Engineering Professionals NEC
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Electronic Engineering Technician
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
Finance / Business
- Procurement Manager
Health and Social Services
- Clinical Psychologist
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
- General Practitioner
- Medical Radiation
- Medical Laboratory Scientist – including Cytotechnologist (Cytoscientist)
- Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
- Physicist (Medical)
- Physiotherapist
- Psychiatrist
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- Sonographer
- Specialist Physician in Palliative Medicine
- Surgeon (General)
- Veterinarian
ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications
- Multimedia Specialist (Film Animator)
- ICT Project Manager
- Organization and Methods Analyst
- ICT Business Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Multimedia Specialist
- Web Developer
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer, Software Tester, and Software and Applications Programmers NEC
- Database Administrator
- ICT Security Specialist
- Systems Administrator
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- ICT Quality Assurance Engineer, ICT Support Engineer, and ICT Systems Test Engineer
- ICT Support and Test Engineers NEC
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
- ICT Customer Support Officer
Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism
- Chef (Chef de Partie or higher)
Science
- Other Spatial Scientist
- Environmental Research Scientist
- Food Technologist
Trades
- Automotive Electrician
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
- Electrician (General)
- Electric Line Mechanic
New Zealand Regional Skill Shortage List
This list includes skill shortages in a particular region where there are no residents or New Zealand citizens who have the skill set to occupy the positions.
Northland
Agriculture and Forestry
- Apiarist
- Arborist
- Beef Cattle Farmer (farm manager)
- Dairy Cattle Farmer (farm manager)
- Market Gardener (crop production / Agronomist Manager)
- Pig Farmer (farm manager or assistant farm manager)
Education
- Early Childhood (pre-primary school) Teacher
- Primary School Teacher
- Post-Doctoral Fellow (University Lecturer)
- Secondary School Teacher
- University Lecturer
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Draughtsperson
Finance / Business
- Accountant
Health and Social Services
- Anaesthetic Technician
- Medical Technicians NEC (Dialysis Technician)
- Midwife
- Resident Medical Officer (excluding First and Second year resident Medical Officers)
- Specialist Physician (general medicine)
- Cardiologist
- Paediatrician
- Specialist Physicians NEC
- Emergency Medicine Specialist
- Ophthalmologist
- Medical Practitioners NEC
Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism
- Jockey (Trackwork Rider)
- Outdoor Adventure Guide (Skydive Tandem Master)
- Snowsport Instructor (including technicians)
Trades
- Baker
- Composite Technician
- Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
- Metal Casting Trades Worker (Foundry Moulder), Fabricator
- Metal Machinist (First Class) (CNC Machinist)
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Motor Mechanic (General) (Automotive Air Conditioning Technician)
- Panelbeater
- Plastics Technician
- Plastics Technician (Plastics Engineer)
- Sheetmetal Trades Worker
- Vehicle Painter
Southland
Agriculture and Forestry
- Apiarist
- Arborist
- Beef Cattle Farmer (farm manager)
- Dairy cattle farmer (farm manager)
- Dairy cattle farmer (assistant farm manager)
- Market Gardener (crop production / agronomist manager)
- Pig Farmer (farm manager or assistant farm manager)
- Winemaker (viticulturist / specialist positions – not pickers)
Education
- Early childhood (pre-primary school) teacher
- Primary school teacher
- Post-doctoral fellow
- Secondary school teacher
- University lecturer
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Draughtsperson
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
Health and Social Services
- Anaesthetic Technician
- Medical Technicians NEC (Dialysis technician)
- Midwife
- Resident Medical Officer (excluding first and second year resident medical officers)
- Specialist Physician (general medicine)
- Cardiologist
- Paediatrician
- Specialist physicians nec
- Emergency Medicine specialist
- Ophthalmologist
- Medical practitioners nec
Recreation, Hospitality and Tourism
- Jockey
- Jockey (trackwork rider)
- Outdoor Adventure Guide (Skydive tandem master)
- Snowsport Instructor
- Snowsport Instructor (including technicians)
Trades
- Baker
- Composite Technician
- Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
- Metal Casting Trades Worker (foundry moulder), Metal Fabricator, Metal Machinist (first class) (CNC Machinist)
- Motor Mechanic (General), Motor Mechanic (General)(Automotive Air conditioning technician)
- Panelbeater
- Plastics technician
- Plastics technician (Plastics Engineer)
- Sheetmetal trades worker
- Vehicle Painter
What I have noticed is there are skill shortages that are common in every part of New Zealand. Though there are distinct skill shortages that are needed only for North, and / or for South Island. For specific regions / cities skill shortages you can visit https://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/
4 Simple Ways to Find Jobs in New Zealand for Foreigners in 2023
Apply for a Work Visa
If you will be coming from overseas, as a foreigner, you can find jobs in New Zealand through online job websites and recruitment companies. As a migrant, you need first to have a job offer before you can apply for a work visa.
There are numerous online job sites that foreigners can submit their resumes / CV to be able to connect with New Zealand employers. Based on newzealandnow.govt.nz these are the job websites which you can consider:
There are also a handful of industry specific job websites that foreigners can submit their resumes to be able to connect with NZ based companies.
- For those who have work experience in health care you can visit www.kiwihealthjobs.com
- For farm related job openings, you can check https://nzfarmsource.co.nz
- If you are teachers, professors, university lecturers, you can visit http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/ for job openings related to your field of specialization.
Apply for a Resident Visa
This is another option for foreigners to be able to find jobs in New Zealand, which is to apply for a resident visa.
If you are unsure about what type of visa is right for you. You can explore different visa options depending on your objective. There is a skilled migrant category resident visa, long term skill shortage list work visa or resident visa, talent (accredited employer) work visa, and other visa options that can help you live in New Zealand permanently.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa
Apply for Working Holiday Visa
Foreigners can also apply for jobs in New Zealand through a working holiday visa. These types of visas allow you to stay for a period of 12 months to work and explore New Zealand. If you are from United Kingdom or Canada you may be granted 23 months working holiday visa. If you will be granted 23 months visa needs to provide a general medical certificate.
Plus, you also need to have funds to purchase your return ticket. Also, your main reason for coming to New Zealand is for holiday, work is only your secondary objective. This type of visa was made possible because NZ has working holiday scheme agreements with numerous countries. This includes but not limited to the Philippines, Canada, United Kingdom, China, Brazil, Malaysia, and the USA.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/work/thinking-about-coming-to-new-zealand-to-work/working-holiday-visa
Apply through Recruitment Companies
There are numerous accredited recruitment companies which you can find at www.careers.govt.nz. Employers based in New Zealand most of the time seek the help of recruitment agencies to do the screening of job applicants on their behalf.
Basically, you can see there the respective websites of the recruitment companies for general jobs, specialist jobs, and industry-specific job vacancies. There are job websites for immigrants, US citizens, people with disabilities, for youth, students, and graduates and for job seekers aged 55 and above. If the expats are hired for the job, it will be the employer who will process the visa sponsorship.
What are the Best Cities to find work in New Zealand and Median Salary
New Zealand has numerous cities that expats can consider when finding jobs and eventually settle in the said country with their families. The factors can be the location, pay rates, job availabilities relative to their skills and expertise, and cost of living.
Popular cities include Wellington the country’s capital, Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and Hamilton.
Westpac.co.nz made a research about the mentioned cities. According to their top picks Wellington ranks first as it is one of the most livable cities in the world of 2018 by Deutche Bank.
Wellington has the second-highest available jobs posting online at 9.74 per 1000 residents with age ranging from 20 to 64 years old. The city has a median salary of $1,247 per week or roughly $4988 per month for full-time employees. The cost of living is lower as compared to Auckland.
Auckland is one of their top picks, as it has a median salary of $1,151 per week. It has higher job listings at 10.55 jobs posting per 1000 residents.
Christchurch has a median salary of $1,150 per week. The job listing online is at 7.9 per 1000 residents.
Nelson, Tazman, and Marlborough, cities which are part of the South Island is included in the Westpac top picks. The median salary is considered to be low at $1000 per week. The three cities have an impressive job posting. Nelson has 8.36, Tazman has 9.49, and Marlborough has 7.32 per 1000 residents.
Hamilton, another city on North Island belongs to the list. The median salary is $1122 per week which is slightly lower than New Zealand’s 3 popular cities. The job posting is, however, quite low at 6.28 per 1000 residents.
How much is the Minimum Wage in New Zealand per hour?
As of April 1, 2022, Every adult migrant worker 16 years old and above should be paid a minimum hourly rate of 21.20 dollars (169.60 dollars per 8-hour day) or 848 dollars per week.
There is also a Starting-out minimum wage which is an hourly rate of 16.96 dollars or 678.40 dollars per week. This type of salary is applicable to 16-, 17-, 18-, and 19-year-old workers who have not completed 6 months of continuous work with their current employer.
A training minimum wage equivalent to 16.96 dollars per hour or 678.40 dollars per week is applicable to employees 20 years old and above who are undergoing apprenticeship.
Foreigners Population in New Zealand
In March 2019, Stats.gov.nz data showed that New Zealand has an estimated population of 4.9 Million, 34 percent of which are residing in Auckland.
The March 2018 census shows that there were 1.2M people who were born overseas and are now living in the country. The expats ethnicity is composed of Europeans, Asians, Pacific, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African. The English language is being spoken by 95 percent of the people.
Asians have a combined population of 700k: 230k of which are Chinese, 220k of which are Indian, and 72k are Filipinos.
Popular Cities of New Zealand
The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington. It is located in the southern part of the North Island. It is the second populous city of the country with a population of 418K just next to Auckland which has a 1.6M population. The third populous city is Christchurch with 404K located on South Island. Other popular cities of NZ are Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, and Queenstown.
* I hope this helps guys!
We want to work in new zealand as an auto spray painter.
how can i apply for a job in New Zealand ,is there list of companies looking for employees for foreign countries .i am a heavy plant mechanic qualified and experieced in fixed and mobile crushers
Good Day
My family and I are interested in relocating and working in New Zealand, Please confirm the process and steps to follow.
Kind Regards,
Sherwin.
how do I get a legal company to apply for job in new zealand
You can try the different 4 options I’ve included in the post thru manpower agencies, by work visa application, and other ways.
I love New Zealand
Please how can I get a forklifts job in new Zealand?
Hi Shodiyan, you can do what is listed in the post.
I love New Zeland because of Climate and its Native Mouries/Kiwi people.
very interested to find work like Mechanic fitter and live with family .
like to find my carrier part in NEW ZELAND .and live with family as Resident in NEW ZELAND.
Hi Martin,
You can follow the possible ways that I have listed in the post. Thanks!
For the ones under 30, the WHV is the best solution? Moving to NZ and then search a job over there? What is the best time to move to NZ?
Hi Lawrence, I think the best time to move to New Zealand is now.
I am a Tradesman light vehicle mechanic but can working on line haul trucks and heavy machines.
I am really interested to reside in NEW ZELAND AND WORK because of climates and friendly people.
What are the job opportunities for commercial restaurant equipment technicians on the North Island, preferably as close to Hamilton as possible? I am a U.S. citizen looking to relocate once boarders are open.
Hi Kim, I suggest that you check the skills shortage list which I have listed in the post. Read also the ways on how you can get a job in New Zealand as foreigners which is also included in the post.
Hi,
I am a fund accounting analyst and I want to get settle in new Zealand, is there opportunities in finance field and also can u mention some website of new Zealand where we can find job postings.
Thank you
I want this a good chances
My Name is Tilahun, I have graduated from Ambo University In Ethiopia by Hydraulic And Water Resources Engineering. If there any position that will offer me please contact me through my email.
Thank you
I am a Nurse. Please haw can I get work in canada?
i need a job as accountant please
Am, longhaul truck driver, any jobs, connecting me to the hiring companies,
Am an electrical engineer with 21 years of experience. I would like to work in New Zealand how do I sent my curriculum vitae?
Hello I m a qualified high school maths teacher from India with 20years experience,want to teach in new Zealand. Please help
Good Day,
I just want to ask how can i work in New Zealand with working visa and where can i submit my resume?
Thank you.
How do I apply for a job a University lecturer in New Zealand?
Hi,
Dear
I am Nurul amin.I am Bangladeshi. Currently I lived in South Africa.I am chef of Al Amin restaurant in South Africa.I want to move New Zealand.Is it possible for me.Can I apply for Cook position.
Pls I want to make enquiries on the kind of work visa I can apply for that will have a faster processing that is not more than 8weeks before I depart my country to new Zealand. Thank you
Best regard
Shola ak
Am a Forester by profession want to work in New Zealand.Am a Malawian. Connect me to forestry jobs.
What does it take to live in New Zealand permanently? And how I would apply.
Hi,
I am a university lecturer/researcher in Sri Lanka. I am looking for a postdoctoral position (Physics/Energy). How can I find this?
I am Samantha from Sri Lanka.Professional chef .Good in Italian cuisine.(many more) Worked in Dubai,Kuwait .Want to find Chef Jobs in New Zealand.”Employers who wish to get your restaurant in next level” I am the person in your culinary section .
Hi. Thank you so much for your post!
I just graduated from uni and don’t have much experience. Do you think it’s possible for me to find a job in NZ?
Thank you
Dear Mr.: I am from Sri Lanka. I have worked in two countries in the Middle East. In Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Now working in Sri Lanka. I ask to work in new zealand. My profession is electronic and electrical technician. Thanks!
Hi Dear,
How can i get job from Newzealand through Manpower recruitment or direct approach whoever in the country.
I have 11yrs experience in the oil&gas fabrication industry for Proposal, Design & Project execution.
Please advice, Whether its possible to get the job as mentioned above same in this pandemic.
—
Thanks & Regards
Senthilkumar.S
Thanks for the information on how to settle and work in New Zealand.
I am a qualified artisan motor mechanic( tractor and diesel mechanics included) and would like to live and work in New Zealand.
I have over 20 years of work experience.
Please, can you advice on the steps which I can take so that my dream can be full filled.
Thanks.
Thank you so much Sir Matt for almost complete information you published, shared & of great help to neighbors . May God be the one to reciprocate your efforts…
Thank you for the information on how to settle and work in New Zealand.
I am a qualified craftsman builder and have worked as a hotel receptionist and would like to live and work in New Zealand.
I have over a year of work experience.
Please, can you advise me on the steps I can take so that I can fill my dream.
Thanks.
I have Advance diploma in hotel management and have one year experiences from Malaysia looking job for in hospitality industries
I am an telecoms product developer and manager. With 5years of experience
I will like to work and live in new zealand.
pls were can i work at newzealand in a legal company , pls is urgent
Thanks
I love new zealand
I love to get awork permit in newzealand as I know that it is a fantastic country- to live and work
Iam a schoolteacher. Completed my masters is education. I am looking forward for a job apart from teaching in South New Zealand. What visa shall i choose so that Iam able to live and work in New Zealand.
Thanks
Raneel