New Zealand’s agricultural industry is a cornerstone of its economy, offering numerous opportunities for immigrants to contribute to the country’s food production and natural resources sectors. With its fertile land and diverse farming practices, New Zealand is a top destination for immigrants with experience in agriculture, farming, and horticulture.
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Agriculture and farm jobs remain in high demand, with roles available across the country in dairy farming, fruit picking, livestock management, and organic farming.
Why New Zealand Needs Agriculture Workers in 2025
New Zealand’s agriculture sector is one of the largest industries in the country, contributing significantly to its economy. The country is renowned for its dairy farms, sheep farming, and horticulture, producing a significant portion of the world’s dairy products, meat, and fresh produce. However, the industry faces challenges in recruiting enough workers to meet the growing demand, especially in rural areas.
Here’s why New Zealand is actively seeking immigrants for agriculture and farm jobs:
- Growing Demand for Food Production: With a rising global demand for dairy products, meat, and fruit, New Zealand’s agriculture industry needs skilled workers to meet production goals.
- Labor Shortages: Many New Zealand farmers and agribusinesses are struggling to find local workers to fill roles in farming and harvesting, creating opportunities for skilled foreign workers.
- Immigration-Friendly Policies: New Zealand’s immigration system actively seeks skilled and semi-skilled workers, offering visa sponsorship to fill key labor shortages in agriculture and farming.
- Aging Workforce: As the average age of New Zealand farmers rises, there is an increasing need for young, skilled immigrants to fill essential roles in farming and food production.
Top Agriculture and Farm Jobs in New Zealand for Immigrants
New Zealand offers a wide range of agriculture and farm jobs for immigrants, from entry-level roles to skilled management positions. Here are some of the most sought-after roles in New Zealand’s agriculture sector:
- Dairy Farm Worker
- Role: Dairy farm workers manage the care and milking of dairy cows. They are responsible for feeding, milking, and maintaining the health of the livestock.
- Salary: $45,000 – $60,000 NZD/year.
- Why It’s Great for Immigrants: The dairy industry is a key part of New Zealand’s economy, and dairy farm workers are in high demand. Many farms offer on-site accommodation and training for newcomers to the industry.
- Visa Support: Dairy farm workers are eligible for Essential Skills Visas and Temporary Work Visas with visa sponsorship from farm owners.
- Fruit Picker (Seasonal)
- Role: Fruit pickers harvest crops such as apples, kiwifruit, and berries. This role requires physical stamina, the ability to work outdoors, and the ability to pick and pack fruit efficiently.
- Salary: $20,000 – $35,000 NZD/year (dependent on season and volume of work).
- Why It’s Great for Immigrants: Fruit picking is a seasonal role that provides opportunities to earn while working outdoors in New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes. Many fruit orchards offer visa sponsorship for foreign workers during the busy harvest season.
- Visa Support: Working Holiday Visas and Seasonal Worker Visas are available for fruit pickers, with many farms offering visa sponsorship for workers during harvest seasons.
- Livestock Manager
- Role: Livestock managers are responsible for the care, breeding, and management of farm animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats. They oversee daily operations related to feeding, healthcare, and farming practices.
- Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 NZD/year.
- Why It’s Great for Immigrants: New Zealand’s livestock farming industry is one of the largest in the world, and experienced livestock managers are in high demand to ensure the quality and growth of the industry.
- Visa Support: Skilled Migrant Visas and Employer-Sponsored Visas are available for experienced livestock managers with the right qualifications and work experience.
- Horticulturist
- Role: Horticulturists manage the cultivation and care of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They work in orchards, nurseries, and greenhouses, using their knowledge of plant care to ensure crops thrive.
- Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 NZD/year.
- Why It’s Great for Immigrants: With New Zealand’s focus on sustainable farming and organic practices, horticulturists are in demand to manage plant-based production in both commercial farming and research roles.
- Visa Support: Skilled Worker Visas are available for horticulturists with experience in plant care, horticulture management, or landscape design.
- Farm Manager
- Role: Farm managers oversee all aspects of farm operations, including budgeting, staffing, planning crop rotations, managing livestock, and ensuring the farm runs efficiently.
- Salary: $70,000 – $90,000 NZD/year.
- Why It’s Great for Immigrants: As an experienced farm manager, you will be able to take on a leadership role, with opportunities for career progression and the ability to manage large agricultural operations.
- Visa Support: Experienced farm managers are eligible for Skilled Worker Visas or Employer-Sponsored Visas with opportunities for visa sponsorship.
Requirements and Skills for Agriculture and Farm Jobs in New Zealand
To qualify for agriculture and farm jobs in New Zealand, immigrants must meet certain skills and experience requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Dairy Farm Worker
- Skills:
- Experience with animal care and milking techniques.
- Ability to work with farm equipment.
- Good physical fitness for labor-intensive tasks.
- Requirements:
- Previous experience in dairy farming or animal husbandry is preferred.
- On-the-job training is often provided for new workers.
- Fruit Picker
- Skills:
- Ability to work efficiently in outdoor conditions.
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
- Physical stamina for long hours of harvesting.
- Requirements:
- No formal qualifications are required, but previous harvest experience is an advantage.
- Livestock Manager
- Skills:
- Expertise in animal breeding, livestock care, and farm management.
- Ability to manage a team and ensure the farm is running efficiently.
- Strong problem-solving skills for dealing with animal health issues.
- Requirements:
- Experience in livestock management or farm operations.
- Formal qualifications in agriculture or animal husbandry are preferred.
- Horticulturist
- Skills:
- Knowledge of plant biology, soil science, and crop management.
- Ability to work with plant diseases and pest management.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow sustainable farming practices.
- Requirements:
- Degree or diploma in horticulture or a related field.
- Experience in plant care or commercial horticulture.
- Farm Manager
- Skills:
- Expertise in farm operations, budgeting, and staff management.
- Knowledge of agriculture technology and sustainability practices.
- Ability to make strategic decisions to increase productivity.
- Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience in farm management or a similar role.
- Degree in agriculture or business management is advantageous.
Visa Sponsorship for Agriculture and Farm Workers in New Zealand
To work in New Zealand, you’ll need to secure a work visa. Here are the most common visa options for immigrants in the agricultural sector:
- Skilled Migrant Visa (subclass 189): This visa is available for skilled workers with experience in agriculture. It’s a points-based system where your work experience, skills, and qualifications will be assessed.
- Essential Skills Work Visa (subclass 441): For those with a job offer in agriculture, the employer can sponsor the visa, allowing you to work in New Zealand temporarily.
- Seasonal Worker Visa (subclass 462): If you are coming to New Zealand for short-term agricultural work, such as fruit picking, you can apply for a seasonal work visa, which allows you to stay for a limited period.
How to Apply for Agriculture and Farm Jobs in New Zealand
- Search for Job Listings: Use New Zealand job websites like Seek, Trademe Jobs, and Seasonal Jobs to find agriculture roles that offer visa sponsorship.
- Tailor Your Resume: Update your CV to highlight relevant experience in agriculture, farming, or horticulture. Make sure it aligns with New Zealand’s job market standards.
- Apply for Jobs: Apply for positions that match your qualifications and skills, especially those offering visa sponsorship.
- Visa Application: Once you secure a job offer, your employer will help you apply for the necessary work visa.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s agricultural industry offers abundant opportunities for skilled immigrants, with $60,000+/year salaries and visa sponsorship options available across a range of roles, from dairy farming to horticulture.
Whether you are just starting out or have extensive experience in agriculture, New Zealand provides a welcoming environment for those looking to build a career in food production, livestock management, or sustainable farming.