New Zealand agriculture is one of the fastest-growing sources of visa-sponsored employment for foreign workers. Through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), farms across New Zealand actively recruit overseas workers every year.
What Is the RSE Scheme?
The RSE scheme lets NZ horticulture and viticulture employers hire workers from approved Pacific nations when local workers are unavailable. Workers receive a temporary work visa, accommodation support, and return flights arranged by the employer. Non-Pacific nationals can apply through AEWV.
Top 10 NZ Farms Hiring Foreign Workers
1. T&G Global — Hawke’s Bay & Nelson
One of NZ’s largest fresh produce companies growing apples, kiwifruit, and pears. Accredited RSE employer. Roles: harvest pickers, packhouse workers, orchard supervisors. Pay: NZD $23–$28/hr. Visa: RSE + AEWV.
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2. Zespri International — Bay of Plenty
World’s largest kiwifruit marketer. Contracted growers hire thousands of workers every harvest season (April–June). Roles: kiwifruit pickers, packhouse graders, logistics staff. Pay: NZD $23–$30/hr. Visa: RSE + AEWV.
3. Summerfruit NZ Orchards — Central Otago
Famous for cherries, apricots, and peaches. RSE-registered member orchards hire hundreds of seasonal workers annually. Pay: NZD $23–$26/hr + piece-rate bonuses. Visa: RSE scheme.
4. Fonterra Cooperative — Nationwide
World’s largest dairy exporter. Hires dairy farm assistants, plant operators, and maintenance technicians. Pay: NZD $27–$45/hr. Fonterra is a top-tier AEWV accredited employer.
5. Silver Fern Farms — Southland & Otago
NZ’s largest beef and lamb processor. Hires meat processors, boners, and quality inspectors. Pay: NZD $26–$34/hr. Strong history of sponsoring overseas workers via AEWV.
6. Comvita — Waikato
Global Manuka honey producer. Hires beekeeping assistants and production workers. Pay: NZD $25–$38/hr. Sponsors visas for overseas specialists via AEWV.
7. Villa Maria Estate — Marlborough
Award-winning winery hiring vintage workers, cellar hands, and vineyard pruners during harvest (Feb–April). Pay: NZD $23–$28/hr. Visa: AEWV.
8. Enza Zaden NZ — Hawke’s Bay
Leading vegetable seed company. Hires crop technicians and harvest workers. Pay: NZD $23–$32/hr. Participates in AEWV program for skilled agricultural roles.
9. PGG Wrightson — Nationwide
NZ’s leading rural services company. Hires agronomists, livestock handlers, and rural sales staff. Pay: NZD $28–$50/hr. Sponsors overseas workers for specialist roles via AEWV.
10. Horticulture NZ Member Farms — Nationwide
Represents 4,500+ growers. Browse vacancies on the Seasonal Solutions portal and connect directly with accredited employers. Pay: NZD $23–$35/hr. Visa: AEWV or RSE.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Find an accredited employer on the Immigration New Zealand website or Seasonal Solutions portal
- Send your CV and state you need visa sponsorship
- Receive a written job offer — required before applying for the AEWV
- Submit your AEWV application on the Immigration NZ website (processing: 4–8 weeks)
- Fly to NZ — many employers arrange accommodation and airport pickup
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