Business welcomes new measures to ensure 'more certainty for employers'
The New Zealand government has unveiled two new visa pathways to support employers looking for seasonal workers during peak periods.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced the new Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the new Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), which will be available from December 8.
"These visas are designed to reflect the realities of seasonal work and the diverse range of skill levels involved," Stanford said in a statement.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa
The GWSV, valid for three years, allows highly skilled workers in certain roles to return to New Zealand for subsequent seasons under the same visa. Roles covered under the visa include:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
- Agricultural Technician (for example sheep or animal pregnancy scanner)
- Chairlift Operator
- Tulip Grower
- Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
- Snow Groomer
- Mountain or Glacier Guide
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor
- Primary Products Inspector
- Shearer
- Slaughterer
- Snow Sports Instructor
- Snow Maker
- Snowsport Equipment Technician
- Whitewater Rafting Guide
- Wine Maker
- Winery Senior Cellar Hand
Visa holders need to spend at least three months outside New Zealand in every 12-month period, according to the national government.
To qualify, these skilled professionals need to have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least three seasons in the past six years.
Immigration NZ said employers wanting to hire under the GWSV must obtain a job check to ensure that there are no New Zealand citizens or residents available for the job.
Peak Seasonal Visa
Meanwhile, the Peak Seasonal Visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles. These include:
- Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
- Calf Rearer
- Relief Milker
- Forestry Worker
- Meat Boner and Slicer
- Meat Process Worker
- Seafood Process Worker
- Winery Cellar Hand
- Wool Handler
The visa is valid for up to seven months, with visa holders required to take a four-month break before reapplying.
According to Immigration NZ, applicants for the PSV need to have at least one season of relevant experience in the past three years. They also need to have comprehensive health insurance.
Both visas do not require an English language requirement, and cannot support partner or dependent visas.
Employers are also told that they must advertise the roles first and engage with the Ministry of Social Development to ensure that local workers are prioritised.
"We are making sure businesses can access the right people at the right time, while also protecting opportunities for Kiwis," Stanford said.
Filling critical seasonal roles
Stanford said the two new visa pathways will help fill critical roles in industries where employers struggle to find enough workers at peak times.
"From ski instructors guiding first-timers down the slopes to wine makers helping create next year's vintage, these visas are designed to keep seasonal industries humming," the minister added.
Business NZ welcomed the two new seasonal visa pathways, saying they will make it easier for businesses to bring back skilled seasonal staff.
"Seasonal industries make an outsized contribution to New Zealand's economy. These changes mean more certainty for employers, less disruption to operations, and better outcomes for customers and export markets," said Business NZ chief executive Katherine Rich in a statement.
Rich added that they support the government's initiative to meet genuine workforce needs while maintaining commitment to New Zealanders.
"We support efforts to ensure New Zealanders are given every opportunity first, but where there are genuine shortages, immigration settings must be practical and responsive," the chief executive said.
