New Zealand stands out for its strong economy driven by agriculture, tourism, and technology, low unemployment, minimal pollution, breathtaking natural landscapes, and exceptional healthcare and education systems. The country also prioritizes job security and a healthy work-life balance, often offering flexible work hours and emphasizing personal well-being.
New Zealand presents a wealth of job prospects across inclusive and diverse industries, including healthcare, engineering, IT, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and construction, for those seeking new opportunities or a fresh start. With a strong appreciation for multiculturalism and abundant opportunities for growth and professional advancement, the country offers a clear pathway to permanent residency. In this article, we’ll explore the top industries in New Zealand offering job opportunities to foreign workers. The first industry on our list is:
The Healthcare Industry
New Zealand provides a supportive atmosphere for international healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, Allied health professionals, and caregivers, by offering various pathways and support systems that assist in their integration into the local workforce. The New Zealand government acknowledges the demand for qualified healthcare workers and has established measures to attract foreign talent. The Immigration Green List features 48 healthcare positions eligible for a direct path to residency or a work-to-residency option, streamlining the immigration procedure for qualified applicants. As of July 2023, over 6,300 foreign health workers have become part of New Zealand’s healthcare workforce through the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme and the Green List Straight to Residence pathways. With a recognized qualification, relevant work experience, and fulfillment of the required criteria, you can secure a job in New Zealand’s healthcare sector and immigrate to New Zealand.
Information and Technology (IT) Industry
New Zealand’s Information and Technology (IT) sector is an active and swiftly growing part of the country’s economy; as a result of this significant growth, there has been a shortage of skilled workers that outpaces local availability, necessitating the need for international professionals to fill these skill gaps to introduce varied viewpoints and foster industry development. Essential positions currently in demand in the tech industry include Software Developers (full-stack, front-end, back-end), cybersecurity experts, Data Scientists and Analysts, Cloud Architects and Engineers, and DevOps Professionals. Most of these tech jobs in the New Zealand Information and Technology Industry necessitate a degree in computer science, IT, or a related field, certifications in specialized domains, and practical experience with notable and recognized tech skills. Tech professionals in New Zealand also earn attractive salaries, particularly in sought-after areas such as cloud computing and data analysis.
Construction and Infrastructure Industry
Ranked as the 5th largest industry and third largest employer, the construction industry in New Zealand is rapidly growing. It offers exciting prospects for foreign professionals, featuring numerous positions for international applicants, such as construction managers, quantity surveyors, site supervisors, project managers, civil engineers, and skilled tradespeople in key cities like Auckland and Wellington. As a professional construction worker, your job is in high demand in New Zealand due to labor shortages and government-funded projects. Working as an international construction worker in New Zealand offers a competitive salary, flexible work culture in a safe and picturesque environment, outstanding healthcare, education, a supportive workplace environment, and diverse professional advancement opportunities.
Engineering Industry
The engineering industry in New Zealand is also one of the top industries that hire foreign workers due to the persistent shortage of engineering talent. The nation is projected to require an additional 1,500 engineers annually to sustain economic development and compensate for retiring professionals. To tackle the deficit of engineering experts, New Zealand is actively recruiting skilled international engineers with numerous engineering positions, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, as indicated in the New Zealand Green List for roles.
Due to this high demand, foreign engineers can expect competitive salaries ranging from NZD 60,000 – NZD 70,000 annually, while mid-level to senior civil engineers may earn between NZD 75,000 and NZD 180,000 annually.
Agricultural Industry
New Zealand’s agricultural industry is the country’s largest sector, making up 5.7% of the GDP and providing jobs for 6% of the workforce. This industry offers employment to tens of thousands, with around 79,200 people working in New Zealand’s agriculture sector as of February 2024. Foreign workers in New Zealand’s agricultural industry enjoy attractive salaries ranging from NZD 20 to 25 per hour and sponsorship for visas and routes to permanent residency. They also have opportunities for skill enhancement, various job roles in areas such as dairy farming, horticulture, and viticulture, a high standard of living, and accommodation provided by employers. These factors contribute to the industry’s attractiveness to foreign workers.
