Farm Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship 

In New Zealand, farm labour has long been a popular choice for both domestic and foreign employees. With pay starting at NZD 26 per hour and visa sponsorship possibilities available for both skilled and unskilled labour, these chances are more alluring than ever in 2025. The need for farm jobs in New Zealand, the kinds of farm jobs that are available, the prerequisites, and the application process for farm jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship will all be covered in this article.

Why Is There a Growing Demand for Farm Jobs in New Zealand?

A vital component of the New Zealand economy, the agriculture industry greatly boosts employment and exports. A number of important reasons have contributed to the rising demand for farm labour:

1. Agriculture Is a Key Industry

• Dairy, sheep, beef, horticulture, and viticulture are all significant economic contributors in New Zealand’s robust agricultural sector.
• More farm labourers are required as a result of the growing demand for New Zealand’s premium agricultural products worldwide.

2. Seasonal Workforce Shortages

• Fruit picking, planting, and harvesting are just a few of the seasonal farm jobs that demand a lot of labourers during the spring and summer months.
• During these times, there is a labour shortage in New Zealand, which raises the need for temporary and foreign workers.

3. Skilled Labor Shortage

• Skilled labour is needed for some farm activities, particularly in the management of dairy and cattle.
• Due to the lack of experienced farmhands in the nation, it is simpler for foreign labourers with the necessary abilities to find jobs.

4. Government Initiatives & Visa Sponsorship

• The New Zealand government provides farm worker visa schemes, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, to solve labour shortages.
• A lot of farms sponsor visas, which makes it simpler for foreign workers to obtain legal employment.

5. Growth of the Horticulture Industry

• More jobs are being created nationwide in vineyards, orchards, and farms as a result of the growth of the fruit and wine industries.
• Fruit pickers, packers, and greenhouse workers are among the high-demand occupations.

6. Attractive Salaries & Benefits

• In New Zealand, farm occupations pay well and can come with extra perks like free food and lodging.
• These positions are financially profitable for employees because some businesses offer overtime pay.

7. Opportunity for Permanent Residency

• Under New Zealand’s immigration laws, skilled farm labourers, particularly those engaged in dairy farming, may be eligible for permanent visas or residency paths.
• Long-term stability is provided by the possibility of applying for permanent residency for those who continue to work in the field and acquire experience.

Read Also: Seasonal Agricultural Jobs in New Zealand

Benefits

Both skilled and unskilled workers can find great prospects in New Zealand’s farm jobs, and many firms sponsor visas. These are the main advantages:

1. Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

• It is simpler for foreign workers to obtain lawful employment because many farm businesses sponsor work visas.
• The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are popular visa choices for seasonal farm labour.
• Sponsorship for a visa frequently entails help with documentation and legal procedures.

2. Competitive Salary and Wages

• In New Zealand, farm employment pays attractive hourly rates, frequently including overtime.
• Depending on their position and level of experience, workers can make anywhere from NZD 22 to NZD 30 per hour.
• Supervisors and employees in skilled occupations, like dairy farms, can make even more money.

3. No Formal Education Required for Many Roles

• A formal education is not necessary for many farm tasks, including general labour, fruit picking, and harvesting.
• Entry-level occupations are easily accessible to workers with no prior experience.
• There is frequently on-the-job training offered.

4. High Demand for Workers

• The agricultural sector in New Zealand is experiencing a labour shortage, particularly in the areas of dairy farming, fruit picking, and livestock management.
• Faster hiring procedures and increased job security result from this.

5. Free or Affordable Accommodation

• Living expenses are lowered by the free or heavily discounted housing provided by many agricultural employers.
• Employees may reside on-site or close by, which facilitates commuting.

6. Work-Life Balance and Flexible Schedules

• Workers can choose their seasonal farm occupations according to their availability, giving them flexibility.
• For additional work hours, many jobs offer overtime compensation.
• Rotating shifts are a feature of some jobs that allow employees to take time off for personal pursuits.

7. Cultural Exchange and International Networking

• Farm labourers from several nations come to New Zealand, offering chances for cross-cultural interaction.
• Collaborating with multinational groups fosters the growth of new abilities and international relationships.

8. Pathway to Permanent Residency

• Long-term, skilled farm workers may be eligible for residency under New Zealand’s immigration channels.
• The Green List in New Zealand offers a straight route to residency for managers of dairy farms and other specialised positions.

9. Safe and Friendly Work Environment

• Strict labour regulations in New Zealand protect the rights and welfare of employees.
• In order to provide a safe and equitable working environment, farms are required to adhere to health and safety requirements.

10. Scenic Rural Work Locations

• Working on farms gives you the opportunity to see stunning scenery, such as mountains, coastlines, and verdant fields.
• Employees enjoy a calm lifestyle, clean air, and a close bond with the natural world.

Types of Farm Jobs in New Zealand

In New Zealand, farm work provides a range of employment options, from manual labour to specialised positions requiring technical know-how. The following are a few of the most popular farm jobs:

1. Fruit Pickers and Harvesters

• high demand for berries, cherries, kiwifruit, apples, and other fruits during harvest seasons.
• demands quickness, physical stamina, and meticulousness.
• Most work is done outside, frequently in a variety of weather conditions.
• Perfect for hikers and seasonal workers.

2. Dairy Farm Workers

• Being a top exporter of dairy products, New Zealand regularly generates employment possibilities.
• Among the duties are running farm equipment, cleaning barns, feeding livestock, and milking cows.
• requires familiarity with the feeding and health of animals.
• Training and permanent work pathways are provided by certain employers.

3. Farm Assistants and General Laborers

• Carrying out routine maintenance duties includes cleaning animal cages, maintaining fences, and helping with day-to-day farm operations.
• Land preparation, irrigation setup, and machinery operation are all part of the job.
• Ideal for anyone who wants to experience farming firsthand.

4. Sheep Shearers

• Shearing sheep is a highly sought-after talent in New Zealand, where there are millions of sheep.
• requires instruction on how to handle sheep with care and shear them effectively without endangering them.
• Experienced shearers will receive competitive remuneration, and foreign workers will have opportunities

5. Farm Supervisors and Managers

• requires prior farm management and operations experience.
• Among the duties are managing budgets, keeping an eye on employees, making sure crops and livestock are healthy, and maximising farm output.
• frequently calls for technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and leadership qualities.

6. Vineyard Workers (Viticulture Jobs)

• The wine business in New Zealand is expanding, generating jobs in grape harvesting, vineyard upkeep, and winemaking.
• need expertise in grape processing, trellis upkeep, and trimming.
• seasonal labour, although competent workers can advance to permanent positions.

7. Agricultural Machinery Operators

• entails using irrigation systems, harvesters, tractors, and other farming machinery.
• requires technical expertise and prior experience operating machinery.
• prevalent in sizable farms that focus on dairy, cattle, and crops.

Salary

The hourly wage for farm workers in New Zealand starts at NZD 26 per hour, though this might vary based on the type of work and experience level. Other benefits, such as housing, meals, and productivity-based bonuses, may also accompany seasonal employment.

• Fruit Pickers: NZD 26 – NZD 30 per hour
• Dairy Farm Workers: NZD 26 – NZD 35 per hour
• Sheep Shearers: NZD 30 – NZD 40 per hour
• Farm Supervisors: NZD 40,000 – NZD 60,000 per year

Requirements 

Depending on the position, different qualifications and criteria apply to farm occupations in New Zealand. Nonetheless, the majority of positions fall under a few general criteria:

1. Physical Fitness

• Farm work is physically taxing and frequently involves lengthy manual labour hours.
• Employees need to be robust, healthy, and capable of lifting large goods.
• Jobs require bending, standing for extended periods of time, and working in various weather conditions.

2. Experience (for Specialized Roles)

• Prior experience is not necessary for entry-level positions like picking fruit or performing regular farm work.
• Prior experience in farming or a similar field is necessary for skilled positions (such as dairy farm worker, sheep shearer, and farm manager).
• It is advantageous to have prior knowledge of agricultural procedures, farm equipment, and animal care.

3. Basic English Skills

• To comprehend instructions and collaborate well with others, employees should be able to communicate in basic English.
• Stronger English proficiency may be necessary for more specialised positions (such as farm supervisors and machinery operators).

4. Work Visa and Visa Sponsorship

• To work lawfully in New Zealand, non-residents need a valid work visa.
• Sponsorship for visas is offered, particularly in the labour-scarce dairy and horticultural sectors.
• Common work visas for farm jobs include:
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) (for long-term skilled workers)
  • Working Holiday Visa (for seasonal jobs)
  • Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa (for fruit picking and horticulture work)

5. Age Requirements

• Minimum age restrictions for many farm jobs are often 18 years of age or older.
• Depending on the applicant’s nationality, several seasonal work visas (such as the Working Holiday Visa) have age restrictions of 18 to 30 or 18 to 35 years.

6. Ability to Work in Rural Areas

• Farm jobs are often located in remote or rural areas.
• Workers may need to relocate and adjust to rural living conditions.

7. Training and Certifications (For Certain Roles)

• Some specialized roles may require certifications:
  • Workers on dairy farms: Instruction in pasture management, animal care, and milking techniques.
  • Sheep shearers: Trained and skilled in specialised shearing techniques.
  • Operators of machinery: familiarity with the upkeep and operation of agricultural machinery.

How to Apply

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Conclusion:

For both experienced and unskilled workers, farm jobs in New Zealand provide great prospects with competitive pay, sponsorship for visas, and even paths to permanent residency. Now is the ideal time for foreign workers to look into jobs in New Zealand’s booming farming sector, as the agriculture sector is experiencing a labour shortage.

Frequently Asked Questions