New Zealand is facing significant skilled worker shortages in 2025. From healthcare and construction to IT and agriculture, the demand for qualified foreign workers has never been higher. To address these shortages, the government has expanded visa pathways and streamlined hiring processes for accredited employers. For international workers, this creates opportunities to secure jobs with easy entry requirements and faster visa approvals. This guide explores the skilled worker shortages in New Zealand, the top easy entry jobs for foreigners, average salaries, and pathways to permanent residency.
Why New Zealand Needs Foreign Workers
- Ageing population increasing demand for healthcare professionals.
- Ongoing infrastructure projects requiring engineers and tradespeople.
- Rapid growth of the digital economy creating shortages in IT roles.
- Labour gaps in agriculture, hospitality, and tourism.
- Migration policies designed to attract long-term skilled talent.
Industries Facing the Biggest Shortages
The government’s Green List highlights roles eligible for fast-track visas and residency. Below are the top industries currently hiring foreigners to fill shortages.
| Industry | In-Demand Roles | Average Salary (NZD) | Visa Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Registered Nurse, Aged Care Worker, General Practitioner | $70,000 – $120,000/year | Straight-to-Residence (Green List) |
| Construction & Trades | Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Welder | $55,000 – $95,000/year | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
| Information Technology | Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Engineer | $75,000 – $130,000/year | Green List & Work-to-Residence |
| Education | Secondary School Teacher, Early Childhood Educator | $55,000 – $85,000/year | Green List + Residency Pathways |
| Agriculture | Dairy Farm Assistant, Horticulture Worker, Veterinarian | $50,000 – $90,000/year | Seasonal + AEWV |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Chef, Hotel Manager, Tour Operator | $45,000 – $75,000/year | AEWV + Regional Work Visas |
Easy Entry Jobs for Foreign Workers
While many high-skill jobs require qualifications, some roles provide easier entry for foreigners with lower barriers:
- Dairy Farm Assistant: High demand in rural regions, with on-the-job training often provided.
- Aged Care Support Worker: Increasingly vital due to New Zealand’s ageing population.
- Chefs and Hospitality Staff: Always in demand in tourism-driven regions like Queenstown.
- Construction Labourers: Entry-level positions lead to sponsorship opportunities.
- Seasonal Agricultural Workers: Fruit picking and vineyard work under Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
Visa Pathways for Easy Entry Jobs
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Requires a job offer from an accredited employer and is the main route for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
- Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa: Provides short-term work opportunities in horticulture and viticulture for up to 7 months.
- Straight-to-Residence Visa: For Green List roles, such as nurses, engineers, and IT professionals.
- Work-to-Residence Visa: Allows foreigners to qualify for PR after 2 years in an eligible role.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Points-based residency option for qualified workers with work experience in shortage areas.
How to Secure Easy Entry Jobs
- Check if your role is listed on the Green List or Shortage List.
- Apply directly to accredited employers through job portals like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, or Careers.govt.nz.
- Prepare required documents including CV, qualifications, police clearance, and health certificates.
- Highlight transferable skills if applying for entry-level positions like agriculture or hospitality.
- Apply for regional roles where shortages are highest, as these often offer faster visa approvals.
Benefits of Entering New Zealand Through Shortage Jobs
- Faster visa processing under Green List or accredited employer schemes.
- Opportunity to transition from temporary to permanent residency.
- High job security due to ongoing labour shortages.
- Chance to build local work experience in New Zealand.
- Many employers provide relocation and settlement support.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
- Some roles require licensing or registration (e.g., nurses, teachers, electricians).
- Regional shortages may require relocation away from major cities.
- Seasonal work visas are temporary and do not always lead to permanent residency.
Conclusion
In 2025, New Zealand’s skilled worker shortages create excellent opportunities for foreigners seeking employment. The most in-demand roles are in healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, trades, education, agriculture, and hospitality. For those without advanced qualifications, easy entry jobs like farm assistants, aged care support workers, and hospitality staff provide accessible pathways into the country. With visas such as the AEWV, RSE, and Green List residency programs, foreign workers have clear options to work, earn, and transition to permanent residency in New Zealand.