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Sep 11, 2024 - 0 Minutes read

High demand jobs in New Zealand for international workers

What are high demand jobs in New Zealand?

High-demand jobs in New Zealand refers to a profession or occupation where there is a significant need for workers due to various factors such as industry growth, technological advancements, societal changes, or shortages of skilled professionals. These jobs typically have more available positions than there are qualified candidates to fill them, leading to increased opportunities for employment. High-demand jobs often offer competitive salaries, job stability, and growth potential as employers seek to attract and retain talent in these critical areas.

High demand jobs in New Zealand for international workers

New Zealand has several high-demand jobs for international workers, especially in sectors where there is a shortage of skilled professionals. The government regularly updates a list known as the Skill Shortage List, which highlights these areas. Here is an overview of some of the high-demand jobs for international workers, from NZ part time jobs to seasonal farm jobs in NZ:

1. Healthcare and Medical Professionals

· Doctors (General Practitioners and Specialists): New Zealand has a significant demand for healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas.

· Nurses: Registered nurses are in high demand across the country.

· Medical Technicians: Roles like radiographers, sonographers, and laboratory technicians are needed.

2. Construction and Engineering

· Civil Engineers: Due to infrastructure development and earthquake recovery projects, there is a strong need for civil engineers.

· Construction Managers: Overseeing building projects is critical, especially with ongoing urban development.

· Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors: These roles are essential for construction and land development projects.

3. Information Technology (IT)

· Software Developers and Programmers: The tech industry in New Zealand is growing, leading to a high demand for software developers.

· Cybersecurity Specialists: As digital security becomes more important, professionals in this field are increasingly sought after.

· Network and Systems Administrators: Maintaining and managing IT infrastructure is crucial for businesses.

4. Education

· Early Childhood Teachers: There is a shortage of qualified early childhood educators in New Zealand.

· Secondary School Teachers: Particularly in subjects like science, mathematics, and technology.

5. Trades and Technical Jobs

· Electricians: With ongoing construction projects, skilled electricians are needed.

· Plumbers and Gasfitters: These trades are essential for both residential and commercial construction.

· Mechanics: Automotive and heavy machinery mechanics are in demand, especially in rural areas.

6. Agriculture and Forestry

· Farm Managers: New Zealand's strong agricultural sector requires skilled farm managers.

· Agricultural Scientists and Technicians: These roles support the agricultural industry with research and innovation.

· Forestry Workers: The forestry sector, important to New Zealand's economy, needs skilled workers.

7. Hospitality and Tourism

· Chefs: As tourism is a major industry, there is a consistent demand for skilled chefs.

· Hotel Managers: Managing accommodations and hospitality services is critical for tourism.

· Tour Guides: With New Zealand's natural beauty attracting tourists, knowledgeable guides are needed.

8. Finance and Business

· Accountants: As businesses grow, there is a need for qualified accountants.

· Financial Analysts: Helping businesses make informed financial decisions is a key role.

· Human Resource Professionals: Managing talent and organisational culture is crucial for companies.

Pathways for International Workers

· Skilled Migrant Category: This visa pathway allows skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

· Essential Skills Work Visa: Issued to those who have a job offer in New Zealand and whose skills are in demand.

· Accredited Employer Work Visa: If you are hired by an accredited employer, you may qualify for this visa.

Regional Demand

· Auckland: The largest city with strong demand in IT, healthcare, and construction.

· Wellington: Known for government jobs, IT, and creative industries.

· Christchurch: Strong demand in construction and engineering, especially post-earthquake rebuilding efforts.

· Rural Areas: Higher demand for healthcare, education, and agriculture-related jobs.

New Zealand's labour market is dynamic, and the demand for certain jobs can change. Therefore, it is advisable to check the most recent Skill Shortage List and consult with New Zealand immigration authorities or professional advisors when considering moving for work.

How to find high demand jobs in New Zealand

Finding high-demand jobs in New Zealand involves researching and utilising various resources that provide up-to-date information about the labour market. Here are some steps to help you find high-demand jobs in New Zealand:

1. Check the Skill Shortage Lists

· Essential Skills in Demand (ESID) Lists: New Zealand's government publishes these lists, which identify occupations with shortages of skilled workers. The lists include:

· Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL): Occupations that are in demand long-term across New Zealand.

· Regional Skill Shortage List (RSSL): Occupations that are in demand in specific regions.

· Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL): Jobs needed for ongoing infrastructure projects.

· You can view these lists on the New Zealand Immigration website.

2. Use Online Job Portals

· Seek New Zealand: A popular job portal where you can search for jobs by industry, location, and skill level. Check the "in-demand" or "featured" jobs sections.

· Trade Me Jobs: Another major job portal that lists various job vacancies, including those in high demand.

· Indeed, New Zealand: A global job search engine that aggregates job postings from various sources.

· LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to search for jobs and connect with recruiters and companies in New Zealand.

3. Consult Recruitment Agencies

· Specialised Agencies: Many recruitment agencies in NZ specialise in industries like healthcare, IT, construction, and finance. They can provide insights into high-demand roles and help you find job opportunities.

· Online Search: Look for recruitment agencies that cater to your field of expertise, such as Hays, Michael Page, or Robert Walters.

4. Follow Industry News and Reports

· MBIE Reports: The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) in New Zealand publishes regular reports and labour market updates. These can help you identify trends and high-demand sectors.

· Industry Associations: Join professional associations in your industry. They often have job boards, networking events, and reports on industry trends.

5. Network with Professionals

· Attend Job Fairs and Expos: These events are a great way to meet employers, learn about job openings, and understand industry demand.

· Join Professional Networks: Online platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with professionals in your field who can provide advice or referrals.

6. Explore Regional Opportunities

· Consider Regional Needs: Some high-demand jobs are more prevalent in certain regions of New Zealand. For instance, healthcare and agriculture jobs might be more available in rural areas, while IT and finance roles are more concentrated in cities like Auckland and Wellington.

7. Research Visa and Immigration Options

· Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa: If your skills are in demand, you may be eligible for this visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

· Work to Residence Visa: If you have a job offer in a high-demand occupation, you might qualify for a visa that leads to permanent residence.

8. Check Company Career Pages

· Direct Applications: Many companies in New Zealand post job openings on their own websites. If you are interested in working for a particular company, check their careers page regularly.

· Large Employers: Consider large companies or those known for hiring international talent, like Fonterra, Air New Zealand, or Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.

By utilising these resources, you can stay informed about which jobs are in high demand in New Zealand and position yourself to find employment in your desired field.