Factory Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in 2025

Factory jobs in New Zealand offer exciting opportunities for foreigners seeking work with visa sponsorship. With a growing manufacturing sector, New Zealand requires skilled workers across various industries. 

This guide explains the eligibility criteria for factory jobs in New Zealand, showcases leading factories offering visa sponsorship, and provides application links to start your journey today.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Factory Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

You must meet certain eligibility criteria and requirements to apply for factory jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship.

Here are the key requirements:

• Valid Job Offer: You must have a formal offer from a New Zealand factory, which can range from roles in manufacturing, assembly, or packaging. Employers must be accredited to sponsor foreign workers.
• Essential Skills Work Visa: This visa is the most common for factory jobs. It is usually granted if your skills are in demand, and the employer can demonstrate the need for foreign workers. You’ll need to show that you meet the qualifications and skills required for the job.
• English Language Proficiency: Depending on the job and visa type, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency. This could be through recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet specific health and character standards, including a medical exam and a police certificate. This ensures that workers are fit for the role and will contribute positively to New Zealand society.
• Age Limitations: While there are no strict age restrictions for factory jobs, most visa programs prioritize workers aged 18 to 55. However, those over 55 may still apply depending on the employer and job offer.
• Experience or Skills: While some entry-level factory positions may not require prior experience, specialized roles may require relevant training or work history. Factory jobs in higher-skilled areas such as machinery operation, supervision, or quality control may require certification or prior experience in a similar role.
• Visa Application Process: Once you have a job offer and meet the necessary criteria, your employer will submit a visa sponsorship application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Upon approval, you will receive your visa to work in New Zealand.
• Work Duration and Residency Options: Some factory job visas are temporary, but depending on the role and your skills, you can apply for a pathway to permanent residency after working for a certain period. Work visas typically range from 1 to 3 years, and your employer may offer permanent opportunities based on performance.

How to Find and Apply for Factory Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner

Finding and applying for factory jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship can be a smooth process if you follow the necessary steps. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through it:

Step 1: Research Available Factory Jobs

Start by researching available factory jobs in New Zealand. You can find job listings on major New Zealand job portals, such as Seek, Trade Me Jobs, or Indeed. 

Many companies in manufacturing and production industries regularly advertise positions for factory workers, ranging from assembly line jobs to roles in quality control, machinery operation, and packaging.

Tip: Filter your search results by job type, location, and visa sponsorship options.

Step 2: Identify Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

Once you’ve found job opportunities, check if the employer offers visa sponsorship. You can often find this information in the job description or by reaching out to the employer directly. 

Some employers will explicitly state that they sponsor visas for foreign workers, while others may not. Look for companies with a proven track record of sponsoring foreign workers and those that are accredited by New Zealand’s Immigration Services to offer visas.

Step 3: Check the Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the job and the visa type. These criteria typically include having the right qualifications or experience, fulfilling health and character requirements, and meeting any language proficiency standards.

Double-check visa types like the Essential Skills Work Visa to ensure that the job aligns with your skillset and background.

Step 4: Apply for the Job

Submit your application with all required documents. A typical job application will include:

• Updated Resume/CV highlighting your work experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the factory job.
• Cover Letter explaining why you’re a good fit for the role and your interest in working in New Zealand.
• References or recommendations from previous employers may also be required.
• Visa Details (if applicable), showing your current visa status if you already have the right to work in New Zealand.

Step 5: Wait for Employer’s Response

Once you’ve applied, the employer will review your application. If your qualifications match the job requirements and you meet the visa sponsorship criteria, they may contact you for an interview. 

Be patient during this stage and be prepared to respond promptly if the employer asks for more information.

Tip: Stay proactive and follow up on your application after 1-2 weeks if you haven’t received any response.

Step 6: Accept Job Offer and Initiate Visa Sponsorship Process

If you receive a job offer, review the details and accept it. Once the offer is confirmed, your employer will begin the process of visa sponsorship. They will usually apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa or other suitable visa categories for you. 

You will need to provide:

• Proof of job offer and employment contract.
• Any necessary qualifications and certifications.
• Health and character documents, such as a police check and medical report.
• English language proficiency test results (if required).

Step 7: Submit Your Visa Application

After your employer submits the necessary visa sponsorship documentation, you will need to complete your visa application. This will involve filling out forms, submitting required documents, and paying the application fees. Your employer may assist you with this process.

Tip: Make sure all your documents are up-to-date and accurately filled out to avoid delays.

Step 8: Wait for Visa Approval

Once your application is submitted, wait for approval from New Zealand’s Immigration Services. 

If approved, you will receive your work visa, and you can start working in your new factory job in New Zealand.

Tip: The visa approval process may take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Step 9: Relocate to New Zealand and Start Work

After your visa is approved, you can book your travel and prepare for relocation. Upon arrival in New Zealand, ensure you have settled in and are ready to start working. You may need to go through an orientation process depending on the employer.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s work culture and any workplace health and safety regulations that apply to factory work.

Top Factories Offering Factory Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Here are the top factories offering factory jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship as a foreigner:

Fisher & Paykel

Fisher & Paykel is a renowned household appliance manufacturer with production facilities across New Zealand. The company frequently hires for factory roles, including assembly line work, quality inspection, and machine operation. 

Fisher & Paykel sponsors visas for skilled foreign workers who meet their job requirements. Applicants must possess relevant experience or be willing to train in specific roles.

How to Apply: Visit the Fisher & Paykel Careers Page for job listings and application instructions.

Talley’s Group

Talley’s Group is a leading food processing company specializing in seafood, dairy, and vegetable production. The company regularly recruits for roles in food processing, packaging, and logistics. 

Talley’s is open to sponsoring visas for foreign workers, especially those with prior experience in the food production industry.

How to Apply: Check Talley’s Careers Page for current job opportunities.

Silver Fern Farms

Silver Fern Farms is a key player in New Zealand’s meat processing industry, employing thousands of workers in various factory positions such as packaging, processing, and quality assurance. 

The company is open to sponsoring visas for eligible foreign workers, particularly those with experience in food safety and handling.

How to Apply: Explore positions on the Silver Fern Farms Careers Page.

New Zealand Steel

New Zealand Steel is a prominent steel manufacturer employing workers in roles such as machine operation, production management, and industrial maintenance. 

They provide visa sponsorship for foreign workers with expertise in steel manufacturing, machinery operation, or related fields. Applicants with relevant skills or certifications are preferred.

How to Apply: Browse vacancies on the New Zealand Steel Careers Page.

AFFCO New Zealand

AFFCO is a major meat processing company with facilities throughout New Zealand. They employ factory workers for meat packaging, processing, and machinery operation. AFFCO offers visa sponsorship to qualified foreign applicants who meet their labor needs.

Eligibility for foreign workers includes good physical health, basic English proficiency, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment are key requirements.

How to Apply: Visit the AFFCO Careers Page for job postings and instructions.

Sanford Limited

Sanford is a seafood company offering jobs in roles like seafood packaging, sorting, and quality assurance. They are committed to hiring foreign workers and frequently sponsor visas to fill critical vacancies.

Eligibility for foreign workers includes experience in food processing or handling is preferred, but on-the-job training is available.

How to Apply: Apply through the Sanford Careers Page.

Goodman Fielder

Goodman Fielder is a food production company known for its dairy, bread, and grocery products. Their factories hire workers in roles like production line operation, packaging, and equipment maintenance. The company offers visa sponsorship for roles in high demand.

Goodman Fielder hires candidates with food manufacturing experience and a team-oriented attitude are preferred.

How to Apply: Explore opportunities on the Goodman Fielder Careers Page.

Yashili New Zealand Dairy Co.

Yashili specializes in dairy product manufacturing and hires for roles such as factory operators, quality inspectors, and logistics coordinators. They are open to sponsoring foreign workers with expertise in dairy processing.

The company often hire foreign workers with prior experience in dairy or food processing and a basic understanding of machinery operation.

How to Apply: Submit your application via the Yashili Careers Page.

The Average Salary for Factory Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the salary ranges in New Zealand’s factory sector:

National Average

• Hourly Rate: Entry-level workers typically earn NZD 21–25 per hour, aligning with the minimum wage and basic factory tasks. Skilled and experienced workers earn NZD 28–35 per hour, particularly in roles like machine operation, maintenance, or quality assurance.
• Annual Salary: Entry-level positions attract NZD 44,000–50,000 per year while supervisors and managers earn NZD 75,000–90,000 annually.

Salaries by Cities and Regions

• Auckland: The hub of New Zealand’s industry, salaries range from NZD 24–36 per hour, with higher rates in specialized manufacturing.
• Wellington: Known for technical and niche manufacturing, wages range from NZD 23–30 per hour with demand for quality assurance and skilled labor.
• Christchurch: Offers NZD 22–30 per hour, driven by food processing, machinery, and agriculture-related factories.
• Hamilton: Salaries range from NZD 21–28 per hour, reflecting its focus on dairy and agricultural processing industries.
• Rural and Regional Areas: Wages tend to be on the lower end, around NZD 21–24 per hour, though housing and living costs are more affordable.

Salaries by Employment Type

• Full-Time Roles: Typically pay between NZD 50,000–70,000 annually, often including benefits like paid leave, insurance, and overtime pay.
• Part-Time Workers: Hourly rates range from NZD 20–28, but benefits may be limited.
• Casual or Seasonal Workers: Earn NZD 21–24 per hour, with pay spikes during high-demand periods, such as the holiday season or production peaks.

Salaries by Experience Levels

• Entry-Level Positions: NZD 21–23 per hour for general tasks like packaging or basic assembly.
• Mid-Level Positions: NZD 26–30 per hour for roles requiring 3–5 years of experience, such as line supervisors or machine operators.
• Senior-Level Positions: NZD 35–45 per hour for highly skilled positions or supervisory roles with extensive experience.

Salaries by Industry

• Food Processing and Packaging Factories: NZD 21–28 per hour for general roles, with specialized roles like quality controllers earning NZD 30–35 per hour.
• Dairy and Agricultural Factories: Pay ranges from NZD 22–30 per hour, reflecting the country’s reliance on these industries. Machine operators and logistics staff can earn up to NZD 35 per hour.
• Heavy Machinery and Steel Factories: NZD 25–40 per hour due to the physically demanding and skilled nature of the work.
• Electronics and Appliance Manufacturing: Salaries range from NZD 22–30 per hour for assembly line workers, while technical repair roles offer up to NZD 40 per hour.
• Textile Factories: Entry-level workers earn around NZD 21–24 per hour, with senior machinists earning NZD 28–32 per hour.

Salaries by Job Function or Division

• Assembly Line Workers: NZD 21–25 per hour for repetitive tasks with on-the-job training.
• Machine Operators: NZD 26–40 per hour, with specialized equipment operators earning on the higher end.
• Quality Assurance Inspectors: NZD 28–35 per hour, reflecting their responsibility for maintaining product standards.
• Supervisors and Managers: NZD 60,000–90,000 annually, depending on the factory size and production scale.

Additional Factors Influencing Pay

• Shift Patterns: Night shifts often offer a 10–20% premium on base pay.
• Overtime Opportunities: Many factories provide time-and-a-half or double-pay rates for overtime hours.
• Unionized Workplaces: Often have negotiated pay rates and benefits that exceed industry averages.

Benefits of Factory Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Factory jobs in New Zealand offer a wide range of benefits, especially for foreign workers seeking stability, career growth, and a pathway to residency. 

Here are the key advantages:

Competitive Salary and Overtime Opportunities

Factory workers in New Zealand enjoy competitive wages that align with the country’s living standards. Many roles offer opportunities for overtime, often paid at time-and-a-half or double rates, significantly boosting overall earnings.

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration Pathways

Many factories provide visa sponsorship for skilled and unskilled foreign workers, easing the process of relocating to New Zealand. 

Additionally, factory jobs often qualify for work-to-residency pathways, allowing employees to transition to permanent residency after a few years.

Job Security and High Demand

The manufacturing sector in New Zealand is growing steadily, with consistent demand for factory workers across industries like food processing, electronics, and heavy machinery. This growth ensures job stability and long-term employment opportunities for workers.

On-the-Job Training and Career Advancement

Many factories offer on-the-job training programs, enabling workers to acquire new skills without prior experience. 

Skilled roles, such as machine operation or quality control, often come with higher pay and promotional prospects.

Benefits and Perks

Full-time factory employees typically receive additional benefits, including:

• Paid leave (annual, sick, and public holidays).
• Employer contributions to retirement savings (KiwiSaver).
• Health insurance and wellness programs in some factories.
• Housing or relocation assistance for foreign workers.

Diverse Work Environments

Factory jobs in New Zealand cater to many industries, allowing workers to explore roles that match their interests, whether in food production, steel manufacturing, or electronics assembly.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Some factories offer flexible shifts, allowing workers to choose between day, night, or rotating schedules. This flexibility is ideal for those balancing work with family or personal commitments.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Factory jobs are often on New Zealand’s list of in-demand occupations. After fulfilling work visa conditions, employees may apply for residency, gaining long-term benefits and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is experience mandatory for factory jobs in New Zealand?

Experience is not mandatory for many entry-level positions, as on-the-job training is often provided. However, skilled roles such as machine operation or quality control typically require prior experience or certifications.

What qualifications do I need to be a factory worker in New Zealand?

Entry-level roles require no formal qualifications, but physical fitness and basic English skills are beneficial. Skilled roles may require certifications in areas like machine operation, forklift driving, or food safety, depending on the industry.

What is the age limit for factory workers in New Zealand?

There is no strict age limit for factory work, but workers must meet the minimum legal working age of 16. Some roles with physically demanding tasks may have preferred age brackets based on health and fitness standards.

Can factory workers apply for permanent residency in New Zealand?

Yes, factory workers may apply for permanent residency if their job is on the list of in-demand occupations or if they meet the conditions of work-to-residency pathways offered by their employer.

Which regions in New Zealand need factory workers the most?

Regions with a high concentration of manufacturing, such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Hamilton, have the greatest demand for factory workers. Rural areas need workers for agricultural and food-processing factories.