Hey guys, listen — today I’m bringing real good news about working in New Zealand. If you’re a migrant who’s tired of sending CVs and getting no answers… stay with me. Because what I’m about to share can literally change your job search in the next few weeks.
And yes — the demand for skilled workers right now is bigger than most people realise.
Introduction
“Welcome everyone, good to see you here! I know many of you are job hunting, or planning to move to New Zealand, or maybe already here but struggling to find the right employer. And I get it — the job market can look scary from the outside.
But today, I want to break that fear.
Because the truth is: New Zealand needs skilled workers more than ever — and I’m going to show you exactly where the opportunities are, what roles are exploding in demand, and how you can position yourself and actually get hired.
We’re talking real numbers, real shortages, and real salaries — not rumours.
Key Good News
- Skills Shortages Are Huge
According to a recent survey, 87.8% of New Zealand businesses are struggling to fill roles locally. auckland.scoop.co.nz+2HCMag+2
- The most in-demand skill areas? Technicians and tradespeople (46.3% of employers say this), machinery operators/drivers, and managers and professionals. auckland.scoop.co.nz
- This is good news for migrants: many employers are explicitly planning to hire migrant workers to fill these gaps. HCMag
- What’s more, many companies report very positive impacts from hiring migrants: 40%+ said they saw more than 20% improvement in productivity or revenue. auckland.scoop.co.nz
- In response, many employers are shifting toward skills-based hiring, rather than just looking at formal qualifications. Hays
- Over 85% of hiring managers say they face “skills gaps.” Hays
- 86% are now evaluating candidates based on skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Hays
Bottom line: There’s a very real need in NZ for skilled workers, and many businesses are ready and wanting to bring in talent from overseas.
B. Employer Demand + Visa Reforms
- The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is being reformed in 2025 to make it easier for employers to hire migrants. Immigration New Zealand+2aimsglobal.co.nz+2
- Key changes:
- The median wage threshold is being removed — meaning more types of roles (including lower-skilled) could be eligible. Immigration New Zealand
- The experience requirement for migrants goes down from 3 years to 2 years for many roles. aimsglobal.co.nz
- For lower-skilled but in-demand roles (ANZSCO levels 4–5), the visa duration is increasing to 3 years. Immigration New Zealand
- The Job Check (part of the visa application) is being streamlined to reduce red tape — especially for low-risk employers. aimsglobal.co.nz
- In short: employers want to hire, and the government is making it easier for them to bring in talent.
C. Salaries Are Rising
- Salaries in NZ reached a record high in the second quarter of 2025. Average pay across job listings was NZD $73,823, up 1.6% from the prior quarter. HCMag
- While some industries are more competitive, this shows that overall compensation is trending up — which is encouraging for people looking to move for work.
- That said, in some sectors, growth is slower: one report noted advertised salary growth is about 2.6% annually. eqconsultants.co.nz
3) Why This Is Good for Migrants
- High demand, many roles → Migrants have real opportunity. With strong skills (especially trades, technical, or management), they’re very attractive to NZ employers.
- Visa reform helps → Less experience needed, more visa stability, and more flexibility. This lowers barriers.
- Good pay → With rising salary averages, working in NZ can be not just a way to get by, but a place to build a career.
- Long-term potential → Because employers are valuing skills more than just formal qualifications, migrants who bring real, practical skills are well-positioned to grow.
4) Tips for You – how you can improve your application
- Highlight your skills in your CV (especially technical, problem-solving, teamwork). Skills-based hiring is increasing.
- Research Accredited Employers in NZ: try to target companies that are likely to sponsor AEWVs.(see the list on the INZ website: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/approved-employers/accredited-employer-list/)
- Be prepared to show work experience (even just 2 years now helps).
- When negotiating pay: know the average is rising, so aim confidently.
- Use your migration consultant (or a good recruiter!) to navigate the visa reforms — these changes are relatively fresh but are very favorable.
Current Trade Job Ads for Key Roles
Here are some current (or very recent) job ads for trade skills in NZ:
- Electricians:
- ~1,965 electrician jobs on SEEK. SEEK+2SEEK+2
- Examples: Industrial Electrician at JS Ewers Ltd, $90,000–$110,000/year. SEEK
- Skilled Electricians: ~213 roles listed. SEEK
- Mining Electrician roles: ~110 mining electrician positions. SEEK+1
- Digger / Excavator Operators:
- 155 digger-operator jobs listed on SEEK. SEEK
- 172 roles when broadening classification. SEEK
- Drivers / Truck Drivers:
- ~1,780 truck driver jobs on SEEK. SEEK
- Specific roles: Class 4 Truck Driver at Wymap Group, $31.50–$33.35/hour. SEEK+1
- Class 5 night-shift driver: role at KAM Transport. SEEK
- Roofers:
- ~151 roofing jobs on SEEK across New Zealand. SEEK
- Experienced roofer role in Wellington / Porirua. SEEK
- Leading Hand Roofer, Auckland, with vehicle and other perks. SEEK
- Flooring Professionals:
- ~311 full-time flooring jobs listed. SEEK
- Flooring apprentice roles: ~110 ads. SEEK
I hope this gives you real hope: New Zealand needs skilled people from around the world. The systems are opening up. The demand is there. And the pay is becoming very competitive. If you’ve ever dreamed of working here, right now might be one of the best times.
