New Zealand continues to experience a shortage of skilled and semi-skilled agricultural workers, creating excellent employment opportunities for international job seekers. Poultry farms and egg production companies regularly recruit overseas workers to support breeding operations, hatcheries, layer farms, broiler production, packing facilities, and farm maintenance.
Many employers are accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), allowing them to hire eligible foreign workers through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Depending on experience, overtime, location, and employer, experienced Farm Assistants can earn up to NZ$77,000 per year, with additional benefits such as accommodation assistance, paid leave, training, and possible long-term residence pathways.
If you are looking for a stable agricultural career abroad, New Zealand offers competitive salaries, a high quality of life, excellent workplace safety standards, and legal pathways toward permanent residence for eligible workers.
Why New Zealand Needs Farm Workers
Agriculture remains one of New Zealand’s largest industries. The poultry and egg sector supplies millions of eggs and poultry products every year, but local labour shortages have encouraged employers to recruit qualified foreign workers.
Demand is especially high for workers in:
- Poultry farms
- Egg grading facilities
- Hatcheries
- Broiler production
- Livestock farms
- Dairy farms
- Vegetable farms
- Fruit orchards
Many employers sponsor overseas applicants through approved immigration pathways.
Farm Assistant Job Description
Typical responsibilities include:
- Feeding poultry
- Collecting eggs
- Cleaning poultry sheds
- Monitoring bird health
- Operating farm equipment
- Maintaining farm hygiene
- Packing eggs
- Recording production data
- Assisting with vaccinations
- General farm maintenance
Salary Expectations
| Position | Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Farm Assistant | NZ$50,000–77,000 |
| Poultry Farm Worker | NZ$48,000–70,000 |
| Hatchery Assistant | NZ$50,000–72,000 |
| Egg Packing Supervisor | NZ$60,000–82,000 |
| Poultry Farm Manager | NZ$75,000–110,000 |
| Livestock Farm Worker | NZ$55,000–80,000 |
Salary depends on experience, region, overtime, and employer.
Benefits Offered
Many employers provide:
- Visa sponsorship
- Paid annual leave
- Paid public holidays
- Overtime opportunities
- Training
- Relocation assistance
- Accommodation support (where offered)
- KiwiSaver contributions (if eligible)
- Workplace insurance
- Long-term employment opportunities
Visa Sponsorship Options
The main employer-sponsored pathway is:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Can Lead to Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Employer-sponsored employment | May support future residence if eligibility requirements are met |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | Short-term employment | No |
| Partner of Worker Work Visa | Eligible family members | Depends on circumstances |
The AEWV is currently the primary work visa used by accredited employers to recruit overseas workers.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
To qualify, applicants generally need:
- A genuine job offer
- Employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand
- Relevant experience or qualifications where required
- Good health
- Good character
- Valid passport
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Minimum secondary education (preferred by many employers)
- Farm or poultry experience (helpful but not always mandatory)
- Basic English communication skills
- Ability to perform physical work
- Clean criminal record
- Medical fitness
Required Documents
Prepare the following:
- Valid passport
- Updated CV
- Passport photographs
- Employment references
- Educational certificates
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination (if requested)
- Employment contract
- Proof of work experience
Steps to Get Visa Sponsorship
- Search for Accredited Employers hiring overseas workers.
- Submit a New Zealand-style CV.
- Attend an online interview.
- Receive a formal job offer.
- Employer confirms sponsorship requirements.
- Apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- Complete biometrics or medical requirements if requested.
- Receive visa approval.
- Travel to New Zealand and begin work.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply through:
- Immigration New Zealand accredited employers
- Agricultural recruitment agencies
- Official employer career websites
- Government job portals
- Licensed international recruitment agencies
Never pay money for guaranteed visas or fake job offers.
Major Poultry & Egg Companies Hiring Farm Workers
| Company | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Tegel Foods | Auckland |
| Ingham’s New Zealand | Hamilton |
| Mainland Poultry | Christchurch |
| Brinks Poultry | Auckland |
| Better Eggs | Waikato |
| Zeagold Foods | Christchurch |
Visit each company’s official careers page for current vacancies and international recruitment information.
International Recruitment Agencies
Some recruitment agencies recruit for agriculture and farming positions.
| Agency | Location |
|---|---|
| Agstaff | Christchurch |
| The Regions Immigration Law & Recruitment | Christchurch |
| Enterprise Recruitment | Auckland |
| AWF Recruitment | Auckland |
| Drake New Zealand | Auckland |
| OneStaff | Nationwide |
Always verify that an agency is licensed and recruiting on behalf of legitimate employers.
Permanent Residence Pathways
Unlike Canada, New Zealand does not have Express Entry or the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
Eligible workers may progress toward residence through pathways available under Immigration New Zealand, depending on the occupation, visa held, and immigration policy in force. These may include residence pathways linked to accredited employment or eligible skilled occupations.
Applicants should review current Immigration New Zealand guidance before making plans, as eligibility rules can change.
Settlement Benefits
Eligible workers and residents may enjoy:
- High-quality healthcare access (subject to eligibility)
- Public education
- Family sponsorship options
- Stable employment
- Safe working conditions
- Strong labour protections
- Pathways to long-term residence for eligible applicants
Immigration Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Applying with fake documents
- Using unlicensed agents
- Accepting fraudulent job offers
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Ignoring visa conditions
- Missing document deadlines
- Providing inaccurate employment history
Embassy Work Visa Verification
Before travelling:
- Verify your visa approval directly through Immigration New Zealand.
- Ensure your passport is valid for the required period.
- Carry your employment contract and supporting documents.
- Follow instructions provided by the New Zealand embassy, high commission, or visa application centre serving your country.
Official Websites
For accurate and up-to-date information, use official New Zealand government resources such as:
- Immigration New Zealand
- New Zealand Government Jobs Portal
- Accredited Employer information
- New Zealand Careers Service
Tips for Success
- Use a professional New Zealand-format CV.
- Highlight farm or poultry experience.
- Mention machinery or livestock skills.
- Prepare for virtual interviews.
- Improve English communication.
- Apply only through trusted employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners work on poultry farms in New Zealand?
Yes. Eligible foreign workers can work if they obtain the appropriate visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, and meet immigration requirements.
Do employers provide visa sponsorship?
Some accredited employers sponsor eligible overseas workers for approved positions.
Can farm work lead to permanent residence?
Certain workers may become eligible for residence pathways depending on the role, employer, and current immigration policies.
Is previous farm experience required?
Experience is often preferred, but some entry-level employers provide on-the-job training.
What is the average salary?
Experienced Farm Assistants may earn up to NZ$77,000 annually, while entry-level salaries are generally lower.
Conclusion
Farm Assistant jobs in New Zealand’s poultry and egg production industry offer excellent opportunities for international workers seeking competitive salaries, employer-sponsored visas, and a high standard of living. With ongoing labour shortages, accredited employers continue to recruit qualified foreign workers for essential agricultural roles.
To maximize your chances of success, apply only through legitimate employers and licensed recruitment agencies, prepare a professional application, meet all visa requirements, and rely on official Immigration New Zealand guidance throughout the process. By following the correct legal pathway, you can build a rewarding agricultural career and potentially qualify for long-term residence in New Zealand.