Introduction
New Zealand’s horticultural and viticultural sectors have long been engines of both economic growth and innovation, with a global reputation for high-quality produce. At the heart of this success lies a robust seasonal workforce that ensures orchards and packhouses operate at peak performance during critical harvest windows. For foreign workers seeking both high-paying agriculture jobs and secure visa sponsorship, New Zealand presents a compelling opportunity—especially when an industry leader like Zespri steps in to sponsor visas for the 2025 season. In this post, we’ll explore the top Zespri roles, the key visa pathways for foreign workers, and the recent immigration reforms that make 2025 an ideal time to relocate.
Why Zespri?
Zespri is the world’s largest exporter of kiwifruit, supplying more than 500,000 tonnes of fruit annually to over 50 markets. With orchards across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Nelson regions, Zespri operates on a scale that demands not just a large workforce, but a highly skilled one capable of maintaining premium quality standards. Each season, Zespri offers positions ranging from hands-on orchard work to supervisory and technical roles—many of which come with competitive hourly rates of NZD 26–30 and year-round career pathways. Beyond pay, Zespri’s status as a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) and Accredited Employer under the AEWV program ensures they can legally sponsor qualified international candidates for both short-term and multi-year visas, providing a clear route to living and working in New Zealand.
Visa Pathways for Foreign Workers
Securing the right visa is the first step for overseas applicants. Two primary work visas facilitate entry into New Zealand’s horticulture sector:
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
The Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa allows eligible workers to stay in New Zealand for up to 7 months within any 11-month period, specifically to work for an approved horticulture or viticulture employer. To apply, candidates must:
- Be 18 or older and in good health
- Hold medical insurance for their stay
- Have a job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE)
- Be a citizen of an eligible Pacific nation or other approved country
Approximately 20,750 RSE visas are available annually, and the process takes about one week for 80% of applications (Immigration New Zealand).
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
For those seeking longer-term or higher-skilled roles, the Accredited Employer Work Visa enables applicants to work full-time (30+ hours per week) for an accredited New Zealand employer. Key points:
- Valid for up to 5 years, depending on skill level and pay rate
- Requires a formal job offer and employer accreditation
- From March 10 2025, median wage requirements were removed (minimum pay is the NZ minimum wage of NZD 23.50/h as of April 1 2025) (Erickson Immigration Group)
- ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 visas now extend to 3-year durations, matching their maximum continuous stay (Erickson Immigration Group)
By holding AEWV accreditation, Zespri can sponsor roles from packhouse supervisors to quality assurance auditors, offering stability beyond the seasonal harvest.
Zespri’s 2025 Roles & Pay Rates
Below is a snapshot of some high-paying roles Zespri and its approved packhouse contractors typically offer. All rates are approximate and may vary by location and experience.
| Role | Pay Rate (NZD/h) | Visa Type | ANZSCO Skill Level | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orchard Hand (Fruit Picker) | 26 – 28 | RSE, AEWV | 4 | Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Nelson |
| Packhouse Operator (Grader & Packer) | 27 – 30 | RSE, AEWV | 4 | Bay of Plenty, Canterbury |
| Tractor & Forklift Driver | 27.50 | RSE, AEWV | 3 | Bay of Plenty |
| Quality Assurance Auditor | 28 – 32 | AEWV | 3 | Bay of Plenty |
| Team Leader (Harvest Crew Supervisor) | 29 – 33 | AEWV | 3 | Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay |
| Packhouse Team Manager | 30 – 35 | AEWV | 2 | Bay of Plenty |
| Technical Trainer (Orchard Operations) | 32 – 38 | AEWV | 2 | Bay of Plenty |
Table: Zespri-related roles and pay ranges for the 2025 kiwifruit season
The blend of seasonal and longer-term visas allows workers to start on the RSE scheme and transition to AEWV roles as they build experience and qualifications, offering a clear career progression path.
Recent Immigration Reforms & Implications
New Zealand’s immigration landscape is evolving to balance employer needs with worker protections. Key 2025 reforms include:
- Removal of Median Wage Requirement
From March 10 2025, AEWV applicants are no longer bound by the median wage threshold and only need to meet the national minimum wage (NZD 23.50/h as of April 1 2025). Employers must still pay market rates comparable to New Zealand counterparts (Erickson Immigration Group). - Extended Visa Durations
ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles now carry three-year AEWVs, aligning visa length with maximum continuous stay, reducing reapplication burden for lower-skilled workers (Erickson Immigration Group). - Reduced Experience Requirement
Work experience thresholds dropped from three to two years, widening the talent pool for both seasonal and full-time positions while maintaining safeguards against exploitation (Erickson Immigration Group). - Enhanced Family Sponsorship Criteria
Income thresholds to support dependent children rose from NZD 43,323 to NZD 55,844 annually, ensuring migrant families have adequate financial backing (Erickson Immigration Group). - Interim Work Rights
From April 8 2025, applicants transitioning between visas gain interim work rights, enabling continuity of employment and countable work experience toward future visas (Aims Global).
Implications for Zespri & Workers
- Greater Flexibility: Zespri can recruit for a broader range of roles at competitive wages without median-wage constraints.
- Worker Security: Extended visas and family sponsorship support provide stability for foreign workers, enhancing retention.
- Talent Pipeline: Reduced experience requirements and interim work rights help attract younger, skilled talent earlier in their careers.
- Operational Continuity: With interim work rights, seasonal supervisors can start prep work before final visa approval, smoothing operational ramp-up.
Comparisons: RSE vs. AEWV for Zespri Roles
| Criterion | RSE Visa | AEWV |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term harvest/packhouse work (max 7 months/11-month period) | Long-term or full-time skilled roles (up to 5 years) |
| Eligible Roles | Primarily fruit pickers, packhouse operators, machinery operators | Supervisors, technical trainers, quality auditors, management |
| Income Requirement | No formal threshold beyond employer offer | Minimum NZD 23.50/h; market rate for role |
| Family Sponsorship | Not permitted | Partner and dependent child sponsorship possible (subject to income threshold) |
| Pathway to Residence | No direct residence pathway | Potential via Skilled Migrant Category or sector agreements for higher-skilled roles |
| Visa Processing Time | ~1 week for 80% of applications (Immigration New Zealand) | Varies (often 2–3 months), improved by interim work rights prior to final AEWV approval |
Insights & Thoughtful Considerations
- Seasonality vs. Stability: Workers seeking cultural immersion and short-term work may prefer RSE positions, sampling New Zealand life for up to seven months. Those aiming for a longer stay—and possibly permanent residency—can leverage AEWV roles with multi-year visas.
- Upskilling Opportunities: Starting in an RSE role offers on-the-job training that can qualify workers for AEWV positions (e.g., moving from packhouse operative to quality auditor).
- Regional Demand: Bay of Plenty remains the employment hub for kiwifruit, but Zespri-affiliated contractors also recruit in Hawke’s Bay and Nelson, diversifying location options.
- Economic Resilience: Enhanced visa durations and workforce continuity safeguard Zespri’s supply chain against labor shortages, protecting New Zealand’s export reputation.
- Worker Well-being: New interim work rights and family sponsorship changes promote worker stability and well-being, reducing turnover and improving morale.
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility
- Ensure you meet age, health, and character requirements.
- For RSE: Confirm citizenship of an eligible country.
- For AEWV: Prepare evidence of qualifications, experience, and English proficiency (if applicable).
- Secure a Job Offer
- Monitor Zespri and approved contractor vacancies on SEEK, Indeed, or Zespri’s industry site.
- Look for “Recognised Seasonal Employer” or “Accredited Employer” in job listings.
- Visa Application
- For RSE: Apply online through Immigration NZ’s RSE portal.
- For AEWV: Coordinate with Zespri’s HR team for job check submission, then apply via the AEWV portal.
- Prepare Documentation
- Scroll through required visa checklists: employment agreements, medical insurance, evidence of funds, etc.
- Retain copies of all recruitment advertising engagement for ANZSCO level 4–5 roles.
- Plan Your Move
- Arrange flights, accommodation near orchards or packhouses, and an Inland Revenue (IRD) number upon arrival.
- Engage with local support networks and Zespri’s onboarding programs to hit the ground running.
Conclusion
With Zespri’s sponsorship and New Zealand’s evolving visa framework, 2025 offers unmatched opportunities for foreign workers to secure high-paying agricultural positions, gain invaluable horticultural skills, and build a pathway toward long-term residency. Whether you’re an experienced orchard operator, a budding packhouse technician, or an aspiring quality supervisor, Zespri’s roles—backed by RSE and AEWV sponsorship—provide a clear, lucrative route to living and working in one of the world’s most picturesque and vibrant agricultural nations.
Ready to pick your future? Explore Zespri vacancies today, secure your visa sponsorship, and join the kiwifruit revolution in New Zealand.
References:
- Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa details (Immigration New Zealand)
- Accredited Employer Work Visa overview (Immigration New Zealand, Erickson Immigration Group)
- Immigration NZ RSE employer search (Immigration New Zealand)
