New Zealand’s agriculture and fisheries sectors are core parts of the economy, creating continuous demand for skilled and motivated workers.
From farming and aquaculture to logistics, research, and technology, these industries offer a wide variety of roles for people with different skills and interests.
Working in these sectors provides opportunities for training, career progression, and in some cases, pathways to residency for skilled migrants.
New Zealand is known for its focus on sustainability and innovation, giving workers the chance to contribute to environmentally responsible industries.
Many roles are based in scenic rural or coastal areas, offering a balance between rewarding work and a healthy lifestyle close to nature.
New Zealand welcomes international candidates to its agriculture and fisheries sectors, offering roles that range from hands-on farm work to advanced research and management positions.
These industries are rapidly adopting modern technologies—such as precision farming, aquaculture systems, and sustainable fishing practices—creating opportunities for skilled workers to apply creative solutions.
International workers gain valuable experience in world-class farming and fisheries practices, which can enhance their career prospects both in New Zealand and abroad.
For many international candidates, working in these sectors can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency, especially for those with in-demand skills.
Beyond career benefits, candidates enjoy the chance to live and work in a country known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and strong community spirit in rural and coastal regions.
New Zealand is one of the world’s leading dairy exporters, with large-scale farms producing milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products for global markets.
Sheep and cattle farming are long-established industries, supplying wool, lamb, mutton, and beef to both domestic and international markets.
Fruit and vegetable production plays a major role, with key exports such as kiwifruit, apples, avocados, wine grapes, and berries.
Forestry is a significant part of the primary sector, with large plantations producing timber, logs, and wood-based products.
New Zealand has a growing aquaculture industry, including green-lipped mussels, oysters, and salmon farming.
The country’s coastal waters support commercial fishing of species such as hoki, snapper, and squid, managed under strict sustainability regulations.
Job Profile |
Salary (NZD) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
75,000 |
45,000 |
3,750,000 |
|
Dairy Farmer |
65,000 |
39,000 |
3,250,000 |
|
Sheep & Beef Farmer |
60,000 |
36,000 |
3,000,000 |
|
Agricultural Technician |
55,000 |
33,000 |
2,750,000 |
|
Horticulture Manager |
70,000 |
42,000 |
3,500,000 |
|
Viticulturist (Wine Grapes) |
68,000 |
40,800 |
3,400,000 |
|
Orchard Supervisor |
58,000 |
34,800 |
2,900,000 |
|
Forestry Worker |
52,000 |
31,200 |
2,600,000 |
|
Fisheries Worker |
50,000 |
30,000 |
2,500,000 |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
55,000 |
33,000 |
2,750,000 |
|
Marine Biologist (Fisheries Research) |
72,000 |
43,200 |
3,600,000 |
|
Agricultural Scientist |
80,000 |
48,000 |
4,000,000 |
|
Agricultural Equipment Operator |
48,000 |
28,800 |
2,400,000 |
|
Beekeeper (Apiculture) |
50,000 |
30,000 |
2,500,000 |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
60,000 |
36,000 |
3,000,000 |
|
Greenhouse Manager |
62,000 |
37,200 |
3,100,000 |
|
Seed Production Specialist |
64,000 |
38,400 |
3,200,000 |
|
Fisheries Vessel Crew |
54,000 |
32,400 |
2,700,000 |
|
Food & Agribusiness Consultant |
85,000 |
51,000 |
4,250,000 |
|
Agricultural Policy Advisor |
90,000 |
54,000 |
4,500,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details for International Applicants |
|---|---|
|
Work Visa Requirement |
Must hold a valid work visa (e.g., Accredited Employer Work Visa, Seasonal Worker Visa, Skilled Migrant Category, or Working Holiday Visa depending on the role). |
|
Job Offer |
Usually requires a confirmed job offer from a New Zealand employer, especially for long-term roles. |
|
Skills & Experience |
Many agricultural and fisheries roles are on the Essential Skills or Green List shortage lists, making it easier for skilled workers (farm managers, dairy farmers, agricultural technicians, aquaculture specialists, etc.). |
|
English Language Proficiency |
Proof of English ability may be required (IELTS or equivalent) depending on visa type and job. |
|
Health & Character Checks |
Must meet New Zealand’s health standards (medical examination) and character requirements (police clearance). |
|
Education/Qualifications |
Not always mandatory for entry-level roles, but technical/scientific jobs (e.g., marine biologist, agricultural scientist) require relevant degrees or certifications. |
|
Physical Fitness |
Many jobs involve outdoor and physical work, requiring good health and fitness. |
|
Seasonal Work Options |
For short-term roles (e.g., fruit picking, vineyard work), Seasonal Worker Programme visas may be available with lower entry requirements. |
|
Residency Pathways |
Skilled roles in agriculture and aquaculture may provide pathways to permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List visa options. |
|
Employer Accreditation |
For most work visas, the employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
Oversee daily farm operations, manage staff, ensure productivity, maintain compliance with safety and environmental standards. |
|
Dairy Farmer |
Handle milking operations, animal feeding, health monitoring, pasture management, and milk quality control. |
|
Sheep & Beef Farmer |
Manage livestock health, breeding, shearing, grazing, and meat production for local and export markets. |
|
Agricultural Technician |
Support farmers with soil testing, crop monitoring, irrigation management, and use of agri-technology. |
|
Horticulture Manager |
Supervise fruit/vegetable production, pest control, harvesting, staff scheduling, and export compliance. |
|
Viticulturist (Wine Grapes) |
Manage vineyards, soil and plant health, pest control, grape harvesting, and quality improvement. |
|
Orchard Supervisor |
Lead seasonal workers, organize planting, spraying, pruning, and harvesting operations. |
|
Forestry Worker |
Plant, maintain, and harvest trees, operate machinery, and ensure sustainable forestry practices. |
|
Fisheries Worker |
Catch, sort, and process seafood, follow fishing quotas, maintain equipment, and ensure sustainability standards. |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
Support fish/mussel/oyster farms, monitor water quality, feed stock, and ensure healthy growth conditions. |
|
Marine Biologist (Fisheries Research) |
Conduct research on marine ecosystems, advise on sustainable fisheries, and monitor environmental impact. |
|
Agricultural Scientist |
Research crop improvement, pest management, soil fertility, and sustainable farming practices. |
|
Agricultural Equipment Operator |
Operate tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and maintain machinery used in farming. |
|
Beekeeper (Apiculture) |
Manage bee colonies, collect honey, maintain hives, and monitor bee health and biosecurity. |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
Design, install, and maintain irrigation systems, monitor water usage, and ensure efficient distribution. |
|
Greenhouse Manager |
Oversee controlled environment crop production, pest control, climate regulation, and harvesting. |
|
Seed Production Specialist |
Manage seed crop planting, harvesting, processing, and testing for quality and export. |
|
Fisheries Vessel Crew |
Work on fishing boats, operate gear, sort catch, ensure compliance with safety and quota rules. |
|
Food & Agribusiness Consultant |
Advise farmers and companies on business strategies, market trends, and value-chain improvements. |
|
Agricultural Policy Advisor |
Develop and recommend policies for sustainable agriculture, fisheries management, and rural development. |
Job Profile |
General Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
Degree/diploma in agriculture or equivalent experience; proven farm management skills; employer job offer; eligible work visa. |
|
Dairy Farmer |
Experience in dairy operations; basic animal husbandry skills; physical fitness; Accredited Employer job offer. |
|
Sheep & Beef Farmer |
Livestock handling experience; pasture management knowledge; physical strength; work visa sponsorship. |
|
Agricultural Technician |
Diploma/degree in agriculture or related field; skills in soil, crop, or livestock testing; English proficiency. |
|
Horticulture Manager |
Qualification in horticulture/agriculture; supervisory experience; ability to manage seasonal staff; valid visa. |
|
Viticulturist (Wine Grapes) |
Knowledge of viticulture practices; experience in vineyards; relevant diploma/degree preferred. |
|
Orchard Supervisor |
Work experience in orchards; leadership skills; ability to work long seasonal hours; basic English. |
|
Forestry Worker |
Physical fitness; ability to operate forestry machinery; training or apprenticeship in forestry. |
|
Fisheries Worker |
Seafaring ability; knowledge of fishing methods; must meet health & safety standards; basic training. |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
Diploma in aquaculture/marine biology or practical experience; ability to monitor fish/seafood farms. |
|
Marine Biologist (Fisheries Research) |
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in marine biology or related sciences; research experience required. |
|
Agricultural Scientist |
Degree or PhD in agricultural sciences; proven research ability; English language proficiency. |
|
Agricultural Equipment Operator |
Practical skills in machinery operation; driver’s license/tractor license; physical capability. |
|
Beekeeper (Apiculture) |
Knowledge of hive management; certificate/diploma in apiculture preferred; no bee allergies. |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
Qualification in irrigation, plumbing, or agricultural engineering; field experience; work visa. |
|
Greenhouse Manager |
Diploma/degree in horticulture; ability to manage controlled crop systems; staff management skills. |
|
Seed Production Specialist |
Knowledge of plant breeding/seed production; degree/diploma in horticulture or agriculture helpful. |
|
Fisheries Vessel Crew |
Seafaring training; physical endurance; must meet maritime health standards; safety certification. |
|
Food & Agribusiness Consultant |
Degree in agribusiness, economics, or related field; consultancy experience; strong English skills. |
|
Agricultural Policy Advisor |
Degree in agriculture, policy, or economics; experience in research/government advisory roles. |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
5–8 years farm work experience, including at least 2–3 years in a supervisory or management role. |
|
Dairy Farmer |
2–4 years in dairy farming, milking operations, herd health, and pasture management. |
|
Sheep & Beef Farmer |
2–4 years livestock handling, breeding, shearing, and grazing management. |
|
Agricultural Technician |
1–3 years in crop/soil/livestock testing; lab or field technician experience preferred. |
|
Horticulture Manager |
3–5 years in horticulture with at least 1–2 years in a leadership role. |
|
Viticulturist (Wine Grapes) |
2–4 years vineyard experience; knowledge of grape cultivation and harvesting cycles. |
|
Orchard Supervisor |
2–3 years orchard or horticulture work; seasonal staff supervision experience preferred. |
|
Forestry Worker |
1–3 years forestry or outdoor manual work; training/apprenticeship helpful. |
|
Fisheries Worker |
1–2 years fishing/seafood handling; deckhand or crew experience an advantage. |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
2–3 years in aquaculture, fish farming, or seafood hatcheries. |
|
Marine Biologist (Fisheries Research) |
3–5 years research or fieldwork; postgraduate study often required. |
|
Agricultural Scientist |
3–5 years research or industry experience; postgraduate degree highly valued. |
|
Agricultural Equipment Operator |
1–2 years operating tractors, harvesters, or farm machinery. |
|
Beekeeper (Apiculture) |
1–2 years working with beehives; entry-level roles may require less with training. |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
2–3 years in irrigation installation/maintenance; plumbing/agricultural experience. |
|
Greenhouse Manager |
3–5 years in greenhouse production; 1–2 years in team leadership. |
|
Seed Production Specialist |
2–4 years crop production or seed processing experience. |
|
Fisheries Vessel Crew |
1–2 years maritime or fishing experience; safety training essential. |
|
Food & Agribusiness Consultant |
4–6 years agribusiness/consulting experience; client advisory background. |
|
Agricultural Policy Advisor |
5+ years in agriculture, research, or policy roles; government/NGO experience valuable. |
Company / Organization |
Sector |
Hiring Focus for International Candidates |
|---|---|---|
|
Fonterra Co-operative Group |
Dairy |
Largest dairy exporter; hires farm workers, dairy technologists, agribusiness specialists. |
|
Silver Fern Farms |
Meat & Livestock |
Leading red meat exporter; employs livestock handlers, meat processing workers, farm staff. |
|
AFFCO New Zealand |
Meat Processing |
Major meat processor; recruits butchers, processing staff, and farm support workers. |
|
ANZCO Foods |
Meat & Agribusiness |
Recruits skilled meat workers, farm staff, and processing plant operators. |
|
Sealord Group |
Fisheries |
One of the largest seafood companies; employs fishing crew, aquaculture technicians, seafood processors. |
|
Sanford Limited |
Fisheries & Aquaculture |
Leading seafood and aquaculture company; hires mussel farm workers, oyster farm technicians, vessel crew. |
|
Ngāi Tahu Farming |
Dairy & Forestry |
Māori-owned agribusiness; hires dairy farm staff, forestry workers, and management trainees. |
|
Zespri International |
Horticulture (Kiwifruit) |
Global kiwifruit exporter; seasonal hiring of orchard workers, supervisors, packhouse staff. |
|
T&G Global (Turners & Growers) |
Horticulture |
Large fruit and vegetable grower/exporter; recruits orchard workers, harvest staff, and greenhouse workers. |
|
Villa Maria Estate |
Viticulture & Wine |
Leading winery; hires vineyard workers, viticulture technicians, and seasonal harvest staff. |
|
Delegat’s Wine Estate |
Viticulture & Wine |
Global wine company; recruits vineyard managers, grape pickers, and viticulture specialists. |
|
Forestry Corporation of NZ (via contractors) |
Forestry |
Employs silviculture workers, logging crews, and machinery operators. |
|
Alliance Group |
Meat Processing |
Farmer-owned cooperative; recruits livestock and processing staff. |
|
Comvita |
Apiculture (Honey/Manuka) |
Major honey exporter; employs beekeepers, hive managers, and production staff. |
|
AgResearch |
Agricultural Research |
Hires scientists, technicians, and specialists in livestock, pasture, and crop research. |
|
Plant & Food Research |
Horticulture & Fisheries Research |
Employs horticultural scientists, aquaculture researchers, and technicians. |
|
Rural Contractors NZ |
Contracting Services |
Seasonal hiring for machinery operators, irrigation staff, and farm laborers. |
|
Talley’s Group |
Fisheries, Dairy & Vegetables |
Hires seafood processors, fishing crew, dairy staff, and horticultural workers. |
|
Oceania Dairy (Yili Group) |
Dairy |
International dairy company; recruits dairy farm workers, technicians, and plant operators. |
|
Seasonal Employers Association (RSE Scheme) |
Horticulture & Viticulture |
Network of accredited seasonal employers hiring fruit pickers, orchard workers, and vineyard staff. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (NZD/year) |
General Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
75,000 |
5–8 yrs farm experience; leadership skills; diploma/degree preferred |
Ngāi Tahu Farming, Alliance Group, Fonterra |
Oversee farm operations, staff management, compliance, productivity. |
|
Dairy Farmer |
65,000 |
2–4 yrs dairy experience; physical fitness; livestock skills |
Fonterra, Oceania Dairy, Ngāi Tahu Farming |
Milking, herd health, feeding, pasture management. |
|
Sheep & Beef Farmer |
60,000 |
2–4 yrs livestock handling; animal health knowledge |
Silver Fern Farms, AFFCO, Alliance Group |
Manage grazing, breeding, shearing, animal health. |
|
Agricultural Technician |
55,000 |
Diploma/degree; 1–3 yrs lab/field experience |
AgResearch, Plant & Food Research |
Soil/crop testing, farm data analysis, technology support. |
|
Horticulture Manager |
70,000 |
3–5 yrs horticulture; leadership skills |
Zespri, T&G Global, Seasonal Employers |
Supervise fruit/veg production, pest control, staff management. |
|
Viticulturist (Wine Grapes) |
68,000 |
2–4 yrs vineyard experience; diploma in viticulture |
Villa Maria, Delegat’s Wine Estate |
Vineyard care, pest control, grape quality monitoring. |
|
Orchard Supervisor |
58,000 |
2–3 yrs orchard work; seasonal worker supervision |
Zespri, T&G Global |
Supervise planting, spraying, pruning, harvest. |
|
Forestry Worker |
52,000 |
1–3 yrs forestry/manual work; machinery handling |
Forestry contractors, Ngāi Tahu Farming |
Plant, maintain, harvest trees, ensure safety. |
|
Fisheries Worker |
50,000 |
1–2 yrs fishing/seafood handling; seafaring ability |
Sealord, Sanford, Talley’s |
Catch, sort, process seafood, follow quotas. |
|
Aquaculture Technician |
55,000 |
Diploma or 2–3 yrs fish/mussel farming experience |
Sanford, Sealord, Talley’s |
Monitor stock, feed fish, maintain aquaculture systems. |
|
Marine Biologist (Fisheries Research) |
72,000 |
Bachelor’s/Master’s in marine biology; research skills |
Plant & Food Research, Sanford |
Study marine ecosystems, advise on sustainability. |
|
Agricultural Scientist |
80,000 |
Degree/PhD in agri-sciences; 3–5 yrs research |
AgResearch, Plant & Food Research |
Research crops, pest control, soil fertility, innovation. |
|
Agricultural Equipment Operator |
48,000 |
1–2 yrs machinery operation; tractor license |
Rural Contractors NZ, Farm employers |
Operate tractors, harvesters, irrigation equipment. |
|
Beekeeper (Apiculture) |
50,000 |
1–2 yrs hive management; certificate helpful |
Comvita, local honey farms |
Manage hives, collect honey, monitor bee health. |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
60,000 |
2–3 yrs irrigation/plumbing experience |
Rural Contractors NZ, Farm contractors |
Install, maintain irrigation systems, optimize water use. |
|
Greenhouse Manager |
62,000 |
3–5 yrs horticulture/greenhouse experience |
T&G Global, Seasonal Employers |
Climate control, pest management, crop supervision. |
|
Seed Production Specialist |
64,000 |
2–4 yrs crop/seed experience; diploma in agriculture |
Seed companies, Plant & Food Research |
Oversee seed crop planting, harvesting, testing. |
|
Fisheries Vessel Crew |
54,000 |
1–2 yrs maritime/fishing; safety certifications |
Sealord, Sanford, Talley’s |
Work on vessels, operate fishing gear, ensure safety. |
|
Food & Agribusiness Consultant |
85,000 |
4–6 yrs agribusiness/consulting; degree in economics/agri |
ANZCO Foods, Private firms |
Advise on market trends, strategies, value chain. |
|
Agricultural Policy Advisor |
90,000 |
5+ yrs policy/research experience; degree in agri/economics |
Government (MPI), NGOs |
Develop agricultural policies, advise on sustainability. |
Visa Type |
Duration |
Suitable For |
Key Requirements |
Typical Job Profiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
Up to 3 years (renewable) |
Skilled workers hired by accredited employers |
Job offer from an accredited employer, relevant skills/experience, English proficiency, health & character checks |
Farm Manager, Dairy Farmer, Horticulture Manager, Aquaculture Technician, Agricultural Technician |
|
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa |
Permanent residency |
Highly skilled workers in shortage areas |
Points-based system (age, skills, qualifications, job offer), English test, relevant work experience |
Agricultural Scientist, Marine Biologist, Policy Advisor, Agribusiness Consultant |
|
Green List Straight to Residence Visa |
Permanent residency |
Critical skill shortage roles listed on the Green List |
Job offer in a Green List role, work experience, qualification checks |
Dairy Farm Manager, Agricultural Scientist, Horticulture Manager |
|
Green List Work to Residence Visa |
Work for 2 years → Residency |
Skilled workers in shortage roles not on “straight to residence” list |
Accredited employer job offer, minimum salary threshold, relevant skills |
Agricultural Technicians, Aquaculture Specialists, Forestry Managers |
|
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa |
Up to 7 months |
Seasonal horticulture & viticulture workers |
Employer must be RSE-approved, seasonal job offer, basic health/character check |
Orchard Workers, Vineyard Workers, Fruit Pickers |
|
Working Holiday Visa |
12 months (up to 23 months for some countries) |
Young people (18–30 or 35, depending on nationality) |
Passport from eligible country, sufficient funds, no dependents |
Entry-level farm work, fruit picking, packhouse jobs, fisheries support |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
1–3 years |
International graduates of NZ institutions |
Completion of eligible qualification in New Zealand |
Agricultural Technician, Horticulture Supervisor, Aquaculture Technician |
|
Essential Skills Work Visa (Legacy – replaced by AEWV) |
Up to 3 years |
Previously for workers in shortage jobs |
Job offer in a shortage role, experience; now covered by AEWV |
Same roles as AEWV (historical reference) |
