15 August 2024
The Government has introduced a new category under the Specific Purpose Work Visa to help employers manage upcoming seasonal work demands. This temporary and streamlined visa option is designed specifically for work highly dependent on weather conditions, such as harvesting crops, ski instruction, or tree planting.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The job must start on or before 31 May 2025 and last no longer than 9 months.
- Seasonal horticulture, viticulture, and fishing jobs covered by other visas do not qualify.
- Applications must be submitted by 31 March 2025.
For Employers:
- You must have employer accreditation.
- Pay workers at least NZD 29.66 per hour for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
- Advertise the job beforehand and provide proof of this to the migrant worker.
Hiring Seasonal Workers for 2024/25:
- The new visa category is open to accredited employers hiring for seasonal jobs.
- Jobs must pay at least NZD 29.66 per hour and require at least 30 work hours per week.
- The migrant must have at least 4 months of experience in a similar role.
Roles Covered:
- Harvest season work is dependent on weather, such as rural contracting.
- Ski instructors and snow groomers are needed when the snow season starts.
- Winemakers are required when grapes are ready for harvest.
- Tree planting depends on a narrow, weather-dependent window.
- Jetboat or bungee operators are active in warmer seasons.
Roles Not Covered:
- Jobs in planting, maintaining, harvesting, and packing crops in horticulture and viticulture.
- Work is not directly related to seasonal activities like baristas or waitstaff at ski resorts.
- Permanent jobs that arise during a seasonal peak, like dairy farm work during calving.
- Jobs as foreign crew members on fishing vessels.
This new visa option is a temporary measure, and the Government is also reviewing the need for a longer-term visa option for seasonal workers.
Reference
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
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