Top Companies Hiring Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship in New Zealand (2026)
New Zealand continues to rely on overseas workers to address labour shortages across key sectors of its economy. From construction and healthcare to agriculture and food processing, many employers actively recruit international candidates where local supply is insufficient.
While visa sponsorship depends on immigration rules and employer accreditation, a number of established companies in New Zealand have a consistent record of employing foreign workers through approved work visa pathways.
This article provides an overview of notable employers, high-demand industries, and practical guidance for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities in New Zealand in 2026.
Why New Zealand Employs Foreign Workers
New Zealand’s labour market faces ongoing challenges driven by population growth, infrastructure expansion, and demographic change. As a result, employers in certain industries experience difficulty filling roles locally.
To address this, Immigration New Zealand allows accredited employers to hire overseas workers under regulated visa programs, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and other sector-specific schemes.
Foreign recruitment is most common in roles that are:
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Difficult to fill locally
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Physically demanding or seasonal
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Highly skilled or technical
Reputable Companies Known for Hiring Foreign Workers
The following companies operate across New Zealand and are recognized for recruiting internationally when workforce shortages arise.
Downer Group
Industry: Construction, Infrastructure, Engineering
Typical Roles: Construction workers, civil engineers, machine operators, maintenance staff
Downer is one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure service providers, delivering projects in transport, utilities, and public works. Due to the scale of its operations, the company periodically recruits overseas workers for skilled and semi-skilled roles.
Fulton Hogan
Industry: Civil Construction and Transport Infrastructure
Typical Roles: Road workers, plant operators, drivers, supervisors
Fulton Hogan is a major employer in New Zealand’s construction sector. The company operates nationwide and often sources labour internationally to meet project demands, particularly for experienced construction and civil works personnel.
Ryman Healthcare and Bupa New Zealand
Industry: Healthcare and Aged Care
Typical Roles: Healthcare assistants, caregivers, nurses
New Zealand’s healthcare system relies significantly on migrant workers, especially in aged care. Providers such as Ryman Healthcare and Bupa New Zealand frequently recruit internationally to maintain service standards across their facilities.
Talley’s Group
Industry: Food Processing and Manufacturing
Typical Roles: Factory workers, processing staff, machine operators
Talley’s Group is one of the country’s largest food producers, with operations in seafood, dairy, and meat processing. The company regularly employs overseas workers, particularly in operational and processing roles.
AFFCO New Zealand
Industry: Meat Processing
Typical Roles: Production workers, meat processors, cleaners
AFFCO operates multiple processing plants across New Zealand and has a long history of employing migrant labour. Roles are often full-time and may be suitable for applicants with relevant industrial experience.
Summerset Group Holdings
Industry: Retirement and Aged Care Services
Typical Roles: Care assistants, cleaners, kitchen staff
Summerset manages retirement villages throughout New Zealand and commonly recruits foreign workers to support care and facility operations, particularly in regions experiencing labour shortages.
Industries With the Highest Demand for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals have the strongest employment prospects in the following sectors:
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Construction and Trades
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Healthcare and Aged Care
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Agriculture and Farming
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Food Processing and Manufacturing
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Hospitality and Cleaning Services
These industries consistently appear on national skills and labour shortage lists.
General Requirements for Foreign Applicants
Although requirements vary by role and employer, most positions require:
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Relevant skills or work experience
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Basic English communication ability
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Physical capability to perform job duties
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Willingness to work on-site
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Eligibility under New Zealand immigration regulations
Not all roles require formal degrees, particularly in agriculture, caregiving, cleaning, and factory work.
How to Apply for Jobs With Visa Support in New Zealand
Foreign applicants are advised to follow these steps:
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Identify eligible job roles within high-demand industries
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Apply through verified job listings or employer websites
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Secure a formal job offer from an accredited employer
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Apply for the appropriate work visa through Immigration New Zealand
Applicants should avoid agents or intermediaries requesting upfront fees.
Where to Find Current New Zealand Job Listings
Updated job opportunities across multiple sectors are available at:
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New Zealand Jobs:
See New Zealand Jobs Listings -
Farm and Agricultural Jobs:
New Zealand Farm Job Listings
Listings are updated regularly based on employer demand.
Conclusion
New Zealand remains an attractive destination for foreign workers, particularly in sectors experiencing sustained labour shortages. While visa sponsorship is not guaranteed, applying through accredited employers and eligible roles significantly improves the likelihood of success.
Foreign job seekers are encouraged to focus on reputable employers, meet immigration requirements, and use official application channels.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Employment and visa outcomes depend on employer accreditation and approval by Immigration New Zealand.
