2025 New Zealand Seasonal Work Opportunities Temporary Visa Invitation Announced



New Zealand has introduced new seasonal work opportunities for 2025, providing international workers with more accessible and flexible options to contribute to its thriving industries. With labor shortages impacting key sectors like agriculture, forestry, and tourism, the government has launched a new visa subcategory and implemented improvements to the Recognized Seasonal Employers (RSE) scheme. These changes aim to attract skilled seasonal workers and enhance their work experience in New Zealand.

New Temporary Visa for Seasonal Workers

International workers can now apply for a newly introduced Specific Purpose Work Visa subcategory, designed to meet seasonal demands in weather-dependent industries such as harvesting, ski instruction, and tree planting.


Eligibility Criteria:

  • The work must be weather-dependent, starting no later than May 31, 2025, and lasting no more than 9 months.
  • Industries such as horticulture, viticulture, and fishing already covered by other visa categories are excluded.
  • Employers must meet the following requirements:
    • Hold employer accreditation.
    • Pay at least NZD 29.66 per hour for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
    • Advertise the position locally and provide proof to applicants for visa submission.

Application Deadline:

All Specific Purpose Work visa applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025. This visa is part of a short-term initiative to address urgent workforce needs. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is reviewing longer-term solutions to streamline seasonal work opportunities, which may include updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.

Recognized Seasonal Employers (RSE) Scheme Updates

New Zealand has long been a global hotspot for seasonal work, offering international workers the chance to contribute to key industries while enjoying competitive wages and a vibrant lifestyle. To meet growing labor demands, the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/research-and-statistics/research-reports/recognised-seasonal-employer-rse-scheme) has progressively expanded since its inception. Initially capped at just 5,000 places in 2007, the program has seen steady increases due to its success, reaching 19,000 places for the 2022/23 season. In 2025, the cap is expected to surpass previous limits, reflecting heightened demand in sectors like horticulture, viticulture, and tourism.

Seasonal opportunities vary by time of year: summer requires fruit pickers and vineyard workers, while winter demands ski instructors and hospitality staff. With wages starting at NZD 29.66 per hour and reaching up to NZD 45 per hour for specialized roles, 2025 promises to be a lucrative year for seasonal workers. These expanding opportunities and competitive salaries make New Zealand a top choice for those seeking seasonal employment.

So for those looking to work in the horticulture and viticulture industries in New Zealand in 2025, the RSE scheme has been revamped to enhance flexibility, wages, and worker welfare.


Fresh Updates for 2025:

  1. Flexible Pay Model: Workers will be guaranteed an average of 30 hours per week over four weeks. If weather disruptions reduce work hours, employers must top up wages to meet this minimum.
  2. Multi-Entry Visas: Workers can now leave and re-enter New Zealand during the season, covering their own travel expenses.
  3. Health Requirement Changes: HIV screening has been removed from the visa requirements, aligning the RSE program with other work visa policies.
  4. Accommodation Cost Adjustments: Employers can increase accommodation costs by 15% or NZD 15.00 per week, whichever is lower, provided agreements were signed after September 2, 2024.
  5. Training Opportunities: Workers can participate in training and skill development programs unrelated to their job roles.
  6. Increased Mobility: Workers can now move between employers and regions with an extended grace period of 21 days, providing greater flexibility.
  7. Updated Wage Policy: Returning workers (third season or more) will earn at least NZD 25.47 per hour. New workers will be paid the minimum wage.
  8. Expanded Participation: Timor-Leste has joined the RSE scheme, offering additional opportunities for Pacific workers.

Increased RSE Worker Cap:

The RSE cap has been raised to 20,750 workers, up from 19,500 in the previous season, reflecting industry growth in wine and kiwifruit exports.

Why Choose Seasonal Work in New Zealand in 2025?

Seasonal work in New Zealand aligns with the country’s distinct seasons, creating high demand for workers in specific industries. During summer (December to February), roles in horticulture and viticulture peak with tasks like fruit picking and vineyard maintenance, offering wages starting at NZD 29.66 per hour. Winter (June to August) sees increased demand for ski instructors and hospitality workers in alpine resorts, where earnings can reach up to NZD 45 per hour (Max Salary) for skilled roles. With competitive pay rates and diverse job opportunities across seasons, New Zealand stands out as an excellent destination for seasonal work in 2025.

Benefits for Seasonal Workers:

  • Competitive hourly wages starting at NZD 29.66 (Average).
  • Opportunities to gain experience in globally recognized industries.
  • Flexibility to work in multiple regions or with different employers.
  • Access to skill development and training programs.

How to Apply for Seasonal Work in New Zealand?

Follow these steps to secure your seasonal work visa:

  1. Find a Job:
    Search for seasonal roles on job boards like New Kiwis or Work the Seasons.
  2. Check Employer Accreditation:
    Ensure the employer is accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
  3. Prepare Your Application:
    Gather all required documents, including proof of the employer’s job advertisement and your eligibility.
  4. Submit Your Application:
    Apply online through Immigration New Zealand’s official website before the deadline: March 31, 2025.
  5. Plan Your Travel:
    Once your visa is approved, book your travel to New Zealand.

References