For foreign workers seeking temporary employment in New Zealand, there is positive news! To help address the increasing need for seasonal labor in 2025, the government has created a new subcategory under the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). This streamlined and time-limited method is ideal for individuals who want to support industries that see seasonal booms while gaining useful work experience. This could be the ideal chance if you’re looking for a temporary job that fits your availability and skill set.
The new SPWV subcategory is a unique way to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty and vibrant job market because it is intended for industries like harvesting, ski instruction, and tree planting that are impacted by weather-dependent labor. There are still many seasonal jobs accessible for those who meet the requirements, even though positions in horticulture, viticulture, and fishing are covered by other visa programs and not included in this category. Usually lasting little more than nine months, the work must begin by May 31, 2025, at the latest.
It is imperative that you plan ahead if you are interested in applying for this seasonal visa, as applications must be received by March 31, 2025. Companies that hire for these positions must be accredited, pay competitively (at least NZD 29.66 per hour) for at least 30 hours per week, and provide proof that the position was advertised locally.
This post explains which positions qualify, why New Zealand needs these seasonal workers, and how to apply for the 2025 SPWV. We will walk you through the prerequisites for qualifying, possible income, and detailed procedures for filing a successful application. Continue reading to find out whether this opportunity can be your key to working and living in New Zealand.
Occupations Qualify for the SPWV in 2025
Horticulture Workers
- Role: Plant, cultivate, and harvest fruits, vegetables, and other crops.
- Average Salary: NZD 45,000 per year.
- Focus: Agriculture and food production.
Viticulture Workers
- Role: Work in grape cultivation and vineyard maintenance, key to New Zealand’s wine industry.
- Average Salary: NZD 50,000 per year.
- Focus: Wine industry and agricultural expertise.
Fishing Crew Members
- Role: Participate in commercial fishing operations, including catching and processing seafood.
- Average Salary: NZD 55,000 per year.
- Focus: Seafood production and the fishing industry.
Ski Instructors and Snow Groomers
- Role: Provide ski lessons and maintain ski slopes to ensure they are in optimal condition.
- Average Salary: NZD 50,000 per year.
- Focus: Tourism, especially in regions with ski resorts.
Jet Boat or Bungee Operators
- Role: Lead adventure tourism activities, ensuring safety while providing thrilling experiences for tourists.
- Average Salary: NZD 55,000 per year.
- Focus: Adventure tourism and the outdoor recreation sector.
Tree Planters
- Role: Plant trees for forestry projects and environmental conservation efforts.
- Average Salary: NZD 45,000 per year.
- Focus: Environmental sustainability and forestry.
Eligibility Requirements for the SPWV
In 2025, candidates must fulfill a number of important qualifying requirements in order to be eligible for the Specialist and Skilled Worker Visa (SPWV). The prerequisites are broken down as follows:
1. Relevant Skills and Experience
- Candidates must exhibit proficiency in one of the qualifying professions, such as fishing, gardening, viticulture, jet boating or bungee jumping, tree planting, or ski training.
- Relevant experience or credentials in the field would be required to demonstrate that an applicant has the skills needed to do the job well.
2. Employment Offer
- For one of the qualifying positions, candidates must have a current job offer from a New Zealand company.
- To guarantee that the applicant is working in the capacity for which the visa is granted, the offer should be for a position that precisely fits the SPWV requirements.
3. Health and Character Standards
- Candidates must fulfill the character and health conditions set forth by New Zealand.
- This usually entails submitting police certificates to verify the applicant has a spotless criminal record and going through a medical test to verify the candidate is in excellent health.
4. Intent to Fulfill Visa Conditions
- Candidates must demonstrate a sincere desire to comply with the requirements of the visa.
- This entails fulfilling any additional visa requirements specified by Immigration New Zealand and proving that you intend to work in the assigned position for the term of the visa.
In addition to meeting the health and character criteria anticipated of all visa holders, these eligibility requirements guarantee that applicants for the SPWV possess the requisite qualifications and are dedicated to their work in New Zealand.
Benefits
Offering jobs with work visas in New Zealand is good for both the country and the people who come to work there. Here is a list of the most important benefits:
1. Meeting Workforce Needs
Filling Skill Gaps: Many businesses in New Zealand, particularly those in farming, tourism, and specialized fields like fishing and winemaking, frequently struggle to find skilled workers. Work visas help fill these important gaps by bringing in skilled workers from other countries.
Sustaining Key Industries: New Zealand makes sure that its core industries, like horticulture, fishing, adventure tourism, and forests, can keep running efficiently and sustainably by giving work visas to people who need to do important jobs.
Supporting Economic Growth: As more skilled workers come to New Zealand, the economy grows. This is especially true in businesses like tourism and agriculture that make a big contribution to the country’s GDP and exports.
2. Access to Global Talent
- Diverse Skills: Work visas let New Zealand hire people from around the world who have specific skills that might not be easily found in the local workforce.
- Innovation and Expertise: Skilled migrants bring with them new ideas, innovations, and specialized knowledge that help key businesses become more productive and make technological progress.
- Cross-Cultural Exchange: New Zealand gains from having a lot of different cultures, which can make the workplace more open and creative in many areas.
3. Economic and Social Benefits
- Contribution to Local Economy: Skilled foreign workers help New Zealand’s economy by both the work they do and the money they spend on things like food, housing, transportation, and other goods and services.
- Increased Tax Revenue immigrants add to the tax base of the country, which helps pay for public services, infrastructure, and social programs.
- Filling Labour Shortages Because New Zealand has a small population and an aging workforce, businesses need skilled people to keep running smoothly and efficiently.
4. Opportunities for Career Growth and Development
- Pathway to Residency: Many people who are working on temporary work visas can become permanent residents if they meet certain requirements. This gives them long-term job chances in New Zealand and provides their families stability.
- Skill Development: Working in New Zealand is a fantastic way to get experience and credentials in a market that is in high demand and known all over the world. This could help your job prospects anywhere in the world.
- Work-Life Balance: New Zealand has a fantastic work-life balance and a high quality of life. It looks like a wonderful chance for many foreign workers to live in a clean, safe, and beautiful place.
5. Boosting the Tourism and Adventure Industries
- Tourism-Driven Jobs: A lot of people with work visas work in New Zealand’s tourism industry, which is very important to the country’s income. Examples include ski instructors and adventure tour operators. Skilled workers make sure that tourists have a fun and safe time, which brings them back and brings in more money.
- Unique Experiences: People who work in adventure tourism, like bungee jumpers and jet boat workers, help make New Zealand known as the best place in the world for adventure travel.
6. Supporting Environmental and Sustainability Goals
- Environment Projects: Foreign workers help New Zealand’s attempts to protect the environment by doing things like planting trees and working on conservation projects. This helps protect wildlife and natural resources.
- Sustainable Development: Skilled workers in agriculture and forestry are very important for making sure that sustainable practices are kept up in these fields. This is good for the long-term health of the country’s economy and environment.
7. Cultural Exchange and Diversity
- Enriching Communities: When foreign workers come to a country, it makes the community more diverse. This makes it easier for people to understand each other, share ideas, and appreciate the local culture.
- Broadening Perspectives Workers and managers in New Zealand can benefit from being exposed to different cultures and ideas because it can broaden their perspectives and make it easier for them to work together.
8. Flexible Visa Pathways
- Temporary and Long-Term Opportunities: People with a work visa can move from temporary to permanent jobs, which gives New Zealand businesses more options for planning their workforce and keeping employees.
- Attracting Seasonal Workers: Businesses that depend on seasonal workers, like gardening and viticulture, can hire short-term workers from other countries to make sure that crops are picked and the wine industry stays up and running without hurting the economy.
9. Positive Impact on New Zealand’s International Relations
- Strengthening Global Ties: Giving people work visas makes New Zealand’s ties with other countries stronger, which promotes trade and cooperation between countries. It can also lead to visa deals that work both ways, making it easier for workers to move between countries.
Read This: New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa Jobs
Application Process for the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)
There are a number of crucial elements in the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) application process. This comprehensive guide will assist you in the process:
1. Secure Employment
- Get a job offer from a company in New Zealand for a job that is eligible for the SPWV.
- The job posting should be for a part that is eligible for the SPWV. Examples include gardening, winemaking, fishing, teaching skiing, operating jet boats or bungee cords, and planting trees.
- The employer must be based in New Zealand and give a job that meets the requirements for the visa.
- Make sure the terms of the offer are clear and meet the requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
- Important: It is very important that you use the official Immigration New Zealand page to make sure that your job and employer are eligible.
2. Prepare Documentation
- Gather all necessary documents to support your application, including:
- Proof of qualifications and experience related to the role.
- A copy of your job offer and details of the employment contract.
- Health documentation: Health checkups or medical certificates (if applicable).
- Police certificates: To meet the character requirements.
- Proof of identity: Passport and other identification documents.
- Make sure that all of your papers are correct, up to date, and in the right format according to Immigration New Zealand’s rules.
3. Submit Application
- Apply online: To send in your application, go to the Immigration New Zealand page. On the Immigration New Zealand site, you will need to make an account.
- If you are not in New Zealand, you can also apply through an official visa handling center.
- Fill out the application form, send the necessary files, and give any extra information that is asked for.
4. Pay Application Fees
- The fee changes based on the type of visa you want and where you live.
- Check current fees If you want to know about the most recent fees, go to the Immigration New Zealand page.
- Most of the time, you can pay online while you’re applying.
5. Await Decision
- After submitting your application, processing times can vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
- Ensure all your information is accurate and complete to avoid delays in processing.
- If necessary, Immigration New Zealand may request additional information or documents during the process.
Final Steps:
- As soon as your visa is approved, you’ll get information on how to make travel plans and meet any other standards.
- If your visa is turned down, you might be able to reapply or appeal, but it depends on the details.
Important Link
- New Zealand Immigration:https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/work/specific-purpose-work-visa
- SEEK: https://www.seek.co.nz/
- Trade Me Jobs: https://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs.
FAQ
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What is the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV)?
The SPWV visa is for foreign workers who want to come to New Zealand for short-term, seasonal jobs in certain fields, such as fishing, teaching ski lessons, adventure tourism, planting trees, and gardening. This visa is ideal for people who want to get experience in jobs where demand changes with the seasons.
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How long does the SPWV last?
The SPWV is usually a short-term visa that lasts up to 9 months. The job has to start by May 31, 2025, and the visa is valid for as long as the summer job lasts.