Best Unskilled and Entry-Level Jobs in New Zealand for Immigrants in 2025

New Zealand has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants seeking job opportunities abroad in 2025. The country is known for its strong economy, competitive wages, and a rising demand for workers across different industries.

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What makes New Zealand even more appealing is the availability of unskilled and entry-level jobs for immigrants looking to start their careers without advanced qualifications or years of professional experience.

With many sectors like agriculture, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing facing workforce shortages, employers are actively hiring immigrants to fill critical roles.

These jobs not only offer competitive salaries but also provide pathways to permanent residency through various visa sponsorship programs.

In 2025, average wages for unskilled workers in New Zealand start from NZD 23 per hour, while certain regions and industries pay significantly higher due to labor demand.

This article explores everything immigrants need to know about unskilled and entry-level jobs in New Zealand, including skills required, highest-paying regions, salary expectations, visa options, and the best companies hiring workers in 2025.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing unskilled and entry-level jobs in New Zealand is that most roles do not require advanced academic qualifications or prior international experience. However, basic skills, physical fitness, and a willingness to learn on the job can significantly improve an immigrant’s employability.

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For example, industries like farming, fruit picking, meat processing, cleaning services, and hospitality often hire workers with no prior experience, offering them on-the-job training.

A typical fruit picker or dairy farm assistant in New Zealand earns between NZD 23 to NZD 27 per hour, while entry-level construction laborers often make NZD 25 to NZD 30 per hour depending on location and employer demand.

Having conversational English language skills is also highly recommended since it helps in workplace communication, understanding safety protocols, and improving career growth opportunities.

Many employers prefer candidates with basic numeracy and literacy skills as well, especially for jobs involving cash handling, packaging, or warehouse work.

In addition, physical strength and stamina are often essential since many unskilled jobs, such as meat processing or landscaping, involve long hours of standing, lifting, or outdoor work.

Certifications like forklift driving, first-aid training, or food handling can also give job seekers a competitive edge, even though they are not mandatory for most entry-level positions.

The New Zealand government has also introduced short training programs under initiatives like the “Skills for Industry” scheme to help immigrants quickly upskill for roles in logistics, hospitality, and seasonal work.

With salaries increasing due to labor shortages, even newcomers can expect competitive pay packages and opportunities to transition into permanent roles within 6–12 months.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Not all regions in New Zealand offer the same salary levels for unskilled and entry-level jobs. Wage rates often depend on labor demand, cost of living, and industry concentration in specific areas.

Immigrants aiming for the highest-paying roles should consider regions experiencing workforce shortages in 2025.

Auckland, the country’s largest city, offers some of the highest wages, with average salaries for unskilled workers ranging between NZD 27 and NZD 32 per hour, particularly in construction, cleaning, and retail support roles.

However, living costs in Auckland are relatively higher compared to smaller cities and rural regions. Canterbury and Wellington also pay competitive salaries, especially for workers in hospitality, manufacturing, and logistics.

For example, warehouse assistants in Wellington earn an average of NZD 28 per hour, while construction laborers in Canterbury earn between NZD 30 and NZD 35 per hour due to ongoing infrastructure projects.

In rural regions like Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Otago, agricultural jobs dominate the labor market. Seasonal roles in fruit picking, vineyard work, and dairy farming offer wages starting at NZD 24 per hour, with accommodation sometimes provided by employers.

While pay rates in these regions may be slightly lower than in major cities, the reduced cost of living often balances out expenses for immigrant workers.

Furthermore, immigration statistics for 2025 indicate that regions with lower population density tend to offer visa sponsorship opportunities more frequently since employers struggle to find local workers.

This makes rural and regional New Zealand particularly attractive for immigrants aiming to transition from temporary work visas to permanent residency while enjoying stable income prospects.

Salary Expectations for Unskilled and Entry-Level Workers in New Zealand

Salaries for unskilled and entry-level workers in New Zealand have steadily increased over the past few years due to labor shortages, inflation, and the government’s commitment to raising minimum wages.

As of April 2025, the national minimum wage is NZD 23.15 per hour, but many industries pay above this threshold to attract and retain workers. For example, workers in construction and manufacturing can expect hourly wages between NZD 25 and NZD 35, depending on skill level and experience gained on the job.

In hospitality roles such as kitchen assistants or housekeeping staff, salaries typically range from NZD 24 to NZD 28 per hour, with opportunities for overtime pay during peak tourist seasons.

Agricultural jobs, including fruit picking, dairy farming, and vineyard work, offer seasonal workers average wages of NZD 24 to NZD 27 per hour, sometimes accompanied by free housing or transportation benefits.

Similarly, warehouse workers and delivery assistants employed by logistics companies like Fonterra or Mainfreight often earn NZD 26 to NZD 30 per hour, with night shifts and weekend work paying higher rates.

Overtime pay is another advantage in many unskilled roles. For instance, a meat processing plant worker earning NZD 27 per hour can make significantly more with evening shifts and weekend bonuses, pushing weekly earnings above NZD 1,200–1,400 before tax for full-time employment.

On average, an entry-level immigrant working 40 hours per week in New Zealand can expect annual earnings between NZD 48,000 and NZD 60,000, depending on the region, job type, and additional allowances offered by employers.

This makes unskilled work a viable starting point for immigrants seeking financial stability and long-term career prospects in the country.

How to Secure Unskilled and Entry-Level Jobs in New Zealand

Finding unskilled and entry-level jobs in New Zealand requires proper planning, research, and preparation. Immigrants looking to work in 2025 can follow a few practical steps to improve their chances of securing employment and visa sponsorship.

First, it is essential to research labor shortages in New Zealand’s key industries. Sectors such as agriculture, meat processing, hospitality, construction, and logistics are consistently in demand for workers.

For example, meat processing plants in Canterbury pay NZD 27 to NZD 32 per hour, while fruit-picking jobs in Hawke’s Bay offer similar wages with accommodation options for seasonal workers.

Next, creating a well-structured CV tailored to New Zealand employers is critical. Even for unskilled roles, employers prefer candidates who highlight physical fitness, reliability, teamwork, and any basic certifications like forklift driving or first aid training.

Immigrants with even minimal experience in cleaning, hospitality, or construction should emphasize this to stand out in competitive job markets.

Networking plays a significant role in finding unskilled jobs in New Zealand. Many employers prefer referrals or recommendations from current employees. Joining online job groups, immigrant forums, or community networks can lead to direct employment offers without lengthy recruitment processes.

Additionally, immigrants should focus on employer-accredited companies authorized by Immigration New Zealand to sponsor foreign workers. Working with accredited employers ensures legal job offers, competitive salaries, and easier visa application processes.

Government employment services such as Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) and regional job fairs also provide valuable job listings for entry-level positions across multiple sectors. Applicants can access real-time job vacancies, career guidance, and training opportunities through these platforms.

Finally, applying early, especially for seasonal roles, significantly improves job prospects. Industries like fruit harvesting, tourism, and hospitality often finalize recruitment months before peak demand seasons.

By applying in advance, immigrants can secure better-paying roles with added benefits such as overtime rates, accommodation, and meal allowances, making the relocation process smoother and financially rewarding.

Companies Hiring Unskilled and Entry-Level Workers in New Zealand

Several companies across New Zealand actively hire unskilled and entry-level workers each year due to ongoing labor shortages. Many of these employers are part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, making it easier for immigrants to secure sponsorship and long-term job opportunities.

In the agriculture and seasonal work sector, companies like Turners & Growers, Seeka Limited, and Mr Apple hire thousands of seasonal workers annually for fruit picking, packing, and vineyard maintenance.

Wages for these roles typically start at NZD 24 per hour, with free or subsidized housing options provided in rural areas.

The meat processing industry employs large numbers of immigrant workers, with companies like Silver Fern Farms and AFFCO New Zealand offering salaries between NZD 26 and NZD 32 per hour depending on experience and shift timings.

In construction and infrastructure, firms such as Fulton Hogan and Downer Group regularly recruit laborers, road workers, and warehouse assistants to meet growing project demands in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Wages in this sector range from NZD 27 to NZD 35 per hour, making it one of the highest-paying options for unskilled workers.

The hospitality and tourism industry also plays a major role in employing entry-level workers, with hotels such as Accor Hotels and Millennium Hotels hiring housekeepers, kitchen assistants, and cleaners with starting salaries between NZD 24 and NZD 28 per hour plus free staff meals in some cases.

Many of these companies partner with recruitment agencies specializing in immigrant hiring, making the application process straightforward for foreign workers.

By targeting such employers, immigrants increase their chances of securing legitimate job offers, competitive salaries, and long-term career opportunities in New Zealand.

Employment Websites to Find Unskilled and Entry-Level Jobs in New Zealand

The fastest way to find unskilled and entry-level jobs in New Zealand is through online employment platforms specializing in visa sponsorship roles. These websites connect immigrants directly with accredited employers offering competitive wages and legal work contracts.

One of the most popular platforms is Seek NZ, featuring thousands of job listings across agriculture, hospitality, logistics, and construction sectors.

Many employers advertising on Seek are accredited by Immigration New Zealand, ensuring legitimate job offers for immigrants seeking visa sponsorship.

Trademe Jobs is another widely used website where immigrants can find seasonal work, entry-level construction roles, and hospitality positions with salaries ranging from NZD 24 to NZD 30 per hour.

Employers frequently post openings for immediate start dates, making it ideal for job seekers aiming to relocate quickly.

The New Kiwis Job Platform, operated by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, connects immigrants with employers specifically looking for migrant workers.

Many listings here include work visa assistance, relocation support, and language training options for newcomers.

Government-operated portals such as Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) also provide job seekers with access to regional vacancies, labor shortage information, and training opportunities to improve employability in high-demand sectors.

International job boards like Indeed and Jooble feature hundreds of listings for unskilled roles in warehousing, cleaning, and food processing with pay rates above the national minimum wage, often including overtime allowances and shift differentials.

By regularly checking these platforms, setting up job alerts, and applying to employer-accredited companies, immigrants can secure well-paying unskilled roles offering salaries between NZD 48,000 and NZD 60,000 annually with opportunities for visa sponsorship and permanent residency pathways in New Zealand.

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