Are you a foreigner looking for job opportunities that do not require academic qualifications or skills? Please read this article as it discusses unskilled jobs for foreigners in New Zealand.
With well over 200,000 British citizens living in New Zealand, the country ranks highly as an expat destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The government also enjoys a temperate climate, uncrowded communities, and a low crime rate. Popular destinations include Auckland, Waikato, and Wellington on the North Island, and Canterbury and Otago on the South Island.
No matter where you decide to settle, there’s plenty to see and do – from exploring mountain trails and national parks to enjoying the sights and attractions of metropolitan cities and beach towns.
How To Get a Job in New Zealand
You’ll need to look for and secure a job before being granted a visa and moving to the country. Applications are typically made online with a CV and cover letter. CVs in New Zealand differ in the sense that they rarely list all past jobs, instead, they explain the skills you have and provide examples of how you’ve used them.
If your application passes the first stage, you may be offered a telephone interview. Face-to-face interviews tend to be informal and may be led by up to four people. Make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the position and the company before your interview.
Several jobs aren’t formally advertised, so making connections, networking, and applying speculatively can prove useful.
See Also: Jobs in New Zealand for Indians
Average Salary in New Zealand
The average salary in New Zealand is an essential aspect of understanding the overall economic condition and living standards of the country. The salaries vary widely based on the region, industry, and level of experience. However, according to the data from Statistics New Zealand, as of 2024, the average full-time salary in New Zealand is NZD 53,040 per year, or approximately NZD 4,420 per month.
This means that half of the workers in New Zealand earn less than the average salary, and half earn more. It’s important to note that these averages take into account both high and low earners, so the median salary, which shows the middle point of all workers’ incomes, might present a more accurate picture of what most people earn.
Overview of Cost of Living in New Zealand as an Expat
- Average monthly expenses for a single person in New Zealand are between USD$815-$1,000 excluding rent. For a family of four, USD$2,950-$3,600 per month.
- Rent in major cities like Auckland or Wellington ranges from USD$1,190-$1,450 per month for one-bedroom apartments and $2,150 to $2,650 per month for three bedrooms.
New Zealand Visas For Foreigners
There are several types of visa available if you want to live and work in New Zealand, either permanently or temporarily, and these are explained in more depth at Immigration New Zealand – Explore visa options.
To summarise, if you’re from an accepted country, such as the UK, are aged between 18 and 35, and want to work temporarily, you can apply for the Working Holiday Visa. The visa lasts for 12, 23, or 36 months, depending on which one you apply for.
To be eligible to work, the primary purpose of your trip must be to work for up to 36 months or engage in training or study for up to six months. The visa costs 420 New Zealand Dollars (NZD), which works out at £202.
Other options include the:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa – opt for this visa if you possess the necessary qualifications and experience for a particular role and have been offered a full-time job. It’s valid for up to five years and costs NZD750 (£361).
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa – for those who have the skills, qualifications, and experience to meet a New Zealand employer’s need and are looking for a permanent long-term position (indefinite stay in the country). Once you have a job offer from an accredited employer, you can submit an expression of interest (EOI). The visa costs from NZD4,290 (£2,067).
- Work to Residence Visa – if you’re currently working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer, and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand job for two years then you may qualify for this visa. You need to be aged 55 or younger to apply and the visa costs NZD4,290 (£2,067).
- Straight to Residence Visa – This visa is for those who are working for, or who have a job offer from, an accredited employer on Tier 1 of the Green List in-demand roles. The visa costs from NZD4,290 (£2,067).
When considering applicants, Immigration New Zealand uses a points system. You get points for age, experience, employability, and qualifications.
If you’re not from the UK, contact the New Zealand embassy in your country of residence for more information on visas and work permits.
Language Requirements
New Zealand’s three official languages are English, Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language.
Most business is done in English, and most organizations require competency in spoken and written English.
See Also: How To Land A Job In New Zealand For Foreigners
Unskilled Jobs in New Zealand For Foreigners
1. Labourers & Class 1/2 Drivers
About the roles and key responsibilities:
- Fixed-term contracts but with the opportunity to move to permanent. Immediate start is available.
- Assist with various manual labor tasks on demolition & construction sites.
- General demolition and truck driving duties.
- Assist in ensuring projects are completed on time and to high quality and safety standards.
- Operate hand and power tools as required.
- Communicate with the Foreman on the progress of work and escalate any potential issues early.
Salary: $23 – $28 per hour
2. Concrete Placer/Finisher
Job Responsibility
Work is throughout Auckland with clients in a residential environment. You must be 100% punctual, honest, and reliable, work well in a team environment, and work unsupervised with a step up to leadership roles.
You will need to show initiative, be a step ahead, and be proactive with a “can do” attitude.
You must be prepared for early starts and work 6 days a week when required.
We are offering competitive hourly rates negotiable on the applicant’s skill level, quality of workmanship, and proven time management.
Salary: $30 – $40 per hour
3. Experienced Knife Hands
Job Responsibility
The knife is the ‘single most critical tool to get right’.
We’re gearing up for our busy season and are putting together motivated teams to start at our Moerewa processing facility in Northland to help get NZ Beef and Lamb from our backyard to customers’ plates.
This is a fast-paced and dynamic environment to work in and requires people who are versatile, reliable, motivated, and fit and healthy with a positive attitude. AFFCO offers challenging work in a great team atmosphere and the understanding that our employees help to shape the future of our business and our industry.
As a committed member of the team, you will find yourself challenged and contributing in a significant way to the success of the business, and you will be rewarded for that success. If you want to feel appreciated for a job well done and be part of something bigger, then consider joining AFFCO, an “earn while you learn ” type of company.
Working 30 – 50 hours per week, weekly earnings fall between $900 – $1700 per week, dependent on hours worked, attendance and productivity.
Salary: $30 – $40 per hour
4. Skilled Labourer
Key Responsibilities:
• Operate Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) safely and efficiently.
• Assist with general labor tasks including site preparation, material handling, and clean-up.
• Follow all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a secure working environment.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors to complete projects on time.
• Perform routine maintenance checks and report any equipment issues.
• Support other trades and personnel as needed on various projects.
Salary: $25 – $30 per hour
5. Experienced Concrete Formworkers
Job Responsibilities
- Proven experience in concrete work in construction.
- Ability to read plans, work in various conditions, and prioritize safety.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transport.
- 2 work-related references
- Site safety will be required for some sites
- Experienced with concrete pouring, finishing, and curing tasks.
- Able to assist with surface preparation and equipment maintenance.
- Able to follow safety protocols and collaborate with the team effectively.
Salary: $28 to $34 + 8% holiday pay
APPLY FOR UNSKILLED JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND HERE
