New Zealand has always been an attractive destination for foreign workers due to its strong economy, excellent work-life balance, and safe environment. In 2025, the demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers in New Zealand is higher than ever. Many industries are facing labor shortages, which has created huge opportunities for international job seekers.
Whether you are a healthcare professional, IT specialist, engineer, tradesperson, or even looking for unskilled work, New Zealand offers plenty of high demand jobs with visa sponsorship. This guide will explain which jobs are in high demand in 2025, salary expectations, visa options, and how foreign workers can apply.
Why Work in New Zealand in 2025?
Here are some key reasons why foreign workers are choosing New Zealand for employment:
- High Salaries: New Zealand offers competitive wages, with minimum wage set at NZD $23.15 per hour in 2025.
- Visa Sponsorship: Many employers are accredited by Immigration New Zealand and can sponsor foreign employees.
- Skill Shortages: Sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and farming are struggling to fill positions locally.
- Quality of Life: Known for its clean environment, safety, and work-life balance.
- Pathway to Residency: Many high demand jobs can lead to permanent residency (PR) in New Zealand.
List of High Demand Jobs in New Zealand 2025 for Foreign Workers
1. Healthcare Jobs
New Zealand has a growing demand for healthcare professionals due to an aging population and staff shortages.
- Popular Roles: Nurses, caregivers, aged care workers, general practitioners, and midwives.
- Salary Range: NZD $60,000 – $120,000 annually (depending on role and experience).
- Visa Sponsorship: Healthcare employers frequently sponsor overseas workers.
2. IT & Technology Jobs
The tech industry in New Zealand is expanding rapidly, creating a high demand for IT professionals.
- Popular Roles: Software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, IT project managers.
- Salary Range: NZD $70,000 – $130,000 per year.
- Visa Sponsorship: Many accredited tech companies hire international talent.
3. Construction & Engineering Jobs
With new housing and infrastructure projects, construction and engineering roles are among the top high demand jobs.
- Popular Roles: Civil engineers, structural engineers, electricians, plumbers, construction laborers, and project managers.
- Salary Range: NZD $50,000 – $110,000 annually.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through large construction firms and government projects.
4. Education Jobs
Teachers are in high demand across New Zealand, especially in rural areas.
- Popular Roles: Secondary school teachers, special education teachers, and early childhood educators.
- Salary Range: NZD $48,000 – $85,000 annually.
- Visa Sponsorship: Schools and educational institutions provide sponsorship for foreign teachers.
5. Agriculture & Farming Jobs
Agriculture remains a backbone of New Zealand’s economy, and farms regularly hire foreign workers.
- Popular Roles: Dairy farm workers, fruit pickers, packers, horticulture workers.
- Salary Range: NZD $23 – $30 per hour.
- Visa Sponsorship: Common through seasonal worker schemes and accredited farm employers.
6. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs
Tourism is bouncing back in 2025, creating high demand for hospitality workers.
- Popular Roles: Chefs, kitchen staff, hotel attendants, cleaners, baristas.
- Salary Range: NZD $23 – $28 per hour.
- Visa Sponsorship: Available in hotels, restaurants, and resorts.
7. Trades Jobs
Skilled trades are among the most in-demand sectors.
- Popular Roles: Welders, mechanics, carpenters, HVAC technicians.
- Salary Range: NZD $50,000 – $95,000 per year.
- Visa Sponsorship: Accredited trade companies actively hire from overseas.
Salary Overview for High Demand Jobs
Here’s an approximate salary guide for foreign workers in 2025:
- Healthcare Workers: NZD $60,000 – $120,000/year
- IT Professionals: NZD $70,000 – $130,000/year
- Engineers: NZD $65,000 – $110,000/year
- Teachers: NZD $48,000 – $85,000/year
- Construction Laborers: NZD $50,000 – $70,000/year
- Farm Workers: NZD $45,000 – $55,000/year
- Hospitality Workers: NZD $23 – $28/hour
Visa Options for High Demand Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Foreign workers must have the correct visa to work legally in New Zealand. Here are the main options:
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- The most common visa for sponsored jobs.
- Valid for up to 3 years.
- Employer must be accredited.
2. Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- For skilled workers in high demand occupations.
- Offers a pathway to permanent residency.
3. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa
- For agricultural and horticultural jobs like fruit picking.
- Valid for up to 7 months.
4. Post-Study Work Visa
- For international students who studied in New Zealand.
- Allows full-time work in high demand sectors.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreign Workers
To apply for high demand jobs, you must meet some basic conditions:
- Relevant skills or experience in your field.
- Valid passport.
- Age: Minimum 18 years.
- Clean criminal record.
- English language ability (IELTS may be required for skilled roles).
- Job offer from an accredited employer.
How to Apply for High Demand Jobs in New Zealand 2025
Follow these steps to increase your chances:
- Search Job Vacancies: Use trusted job portals and government websites.
- Prepare Resume/CV: Highlight relevant skills and experience.
- Apply Directly to Employers: Look for accredited employers who can sponsor visas.
- Attend Online Interviews: Many employers interview international applicants virtually.
- Receive Job Offer: Once selected, get a formal employment contract.
- Apply for Work Visa: Submit your visa application through Immigration New Zealand.
- Move to New Zealand: Start working and enjoy your new life abroad.
Top Job Websites for Foreign Workers in New Zealand
Here are some reliable platforms to find high demand jobs:
- Seek.co.nz – New Zealand’s largest job portal.
- Trademe.co.nz/jobs – Popular for various industries.
- Workhere.co.nz – Designed for international job seekers.
- Careers.govt.nz – Government-run career guidance and jobs.
- Seasonaljobs.co.nz – For agriculture and farm work.
- Immigration.govt.nz – Official visa and accredited employer list.
Tips to Secure a Job in New Zealand
- Apply to multiple employers to improve chances.
- Focus on jobs in regional/rural areas, as they face bigger shortages.
- Improve your English communication skills.
- Be flexible with location and working hours.
- Use only accredited employers to ensure visa sponsorship.
Conclusion
In 2025, New Zealand is one of the best destinations for foreign workers due to its strong job market and high salaries. Healthcare, IT, construction, education, farming, hospitality, and trades are among the top high demand jobs for international applicants. With visa sponsorship available through accredited employers, thousands of foreign workers are moving to New Zealand every year.
If you are planning to apply, prepare your CV, check accredited employers, and apply for the right visa. This could be your pathway not just to a job, but also to permanent residency in New Zealand.
👉 Start applying now, as demand is high and opportunities are filling quickly!