List of In-Demand Jobs in New Zealand: Top Industries for International Applicants (2024)
New Zealand is a popular destination for Filipinos looking for jobs abroad. The country looks picturesque with its green pastures that have served as backdrops in some of the best international movies. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deployment of Filipinos to this country has temporarily slowed down. With borders closed, they could not accept migrant workers to fill in job vacancies. Earlier this year, the borders reopened partially, but this also led to some New Zealanders leaving their country to apply for jobs in other countries, like nearby Australia. Australian economists see vacant jobs to start getting filled starting in 2023. This opens opportunities for Filipinos dreaming of working in New Zealand.
If you are one of those who like to work in New Zealand, check this list for the most in-demand jobs in New Zealand.
In-demand Jobs in New Zealand
1) Nurses
The healthcare industry remains to be the top industry that requires workers, particularly nurses. The demand for nurses increased during the pandemic, but even after it is over, the demand will remain high. A nurse in New Zealand earns around $74,000 to $153,000 per year (source: Te Whatu Ora and NZNO, 2023 -2024 from Careers.govt.nz).
2) Welders
Welders are in high demand in New Zealand due to the country’s robust construction and manufacturing sectors. Skilled welders are needed to work on various projects, including building construction, machinery repair, and infrastructure development. Welders in New Zealand can expect to earn between $60,000 to $65,000 per year (source: Seek, 2023 from Careers.govt.nz).
3) Bartenders
With a thriving hospitality industry, bartenders are always in demand in New Zealand. From bustling city bars to coastal resorts, there are numerous opportunities for skilled bartenders. They are responsible for preparing and serving drinks, managing bar inventory, and ensuring excellent customer service. Bartenders in New Zealand typically earn between $23 to $25 per hour (source: Restaurant Association of New Zealand, 2023 from Careers.govt.nz).
4) School Teachers
From preschool to high school, New Zealand students need and deserve to learn from talented and dedicated teachers. With a constant new generation of students looking to learn, teachers will always be in demand in New Zealand. The salary of a teacher in this country ranges from $55,000 to $95,000 per year (source: MoE, 2023-2025 from Careers.govt.nz).
5) Plumbers
Alongside workers in construction sites, plumbers are also in demand in New Zealand. They earn somewhere between $23 to $53 per hour (source: Seek, 2023 from Careers.govt.nz).
6) Chefs
The culinary industry in New Zealand is vibrant and diverse, requiring skilled chefs to create delicious meals in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. The demand for chefs is particularly high in tourist destinations and major cities. Chefs in New Zealand earn between $23 to $25 per hour (source: Careers.govt.nz).
7) Construction Workers
If you’re looking for a labor position, there are plenty of job openings in the construction industry. Construction jobs are going nowhere as New Zealand is addressing its infrastructure issues. The salary range of a construction worker is between $23 to $33 per hour (source: Seek and Trade Me, 2023 from Careers.govt.nz).
8) Aged and Disability Support Workers
New Zealand expects many children in need of knowledgeable and competent adults to care for them in schools, medical facilities, and everywhere else, so the demand for child welfare workers will be high. If you take this job, you can earn around $23 to $28 per hour (source: Te Whatu Ora, 2023 from Careers.govt.nz).
9) Automotive Technicians
Automotive technicians are crucial for maintaining and repairing vehicles in New Zealand. The country’s reliance on personal and commercial vehicles ensures a steady demand for skilled mechanics. They can work in various settings, including garages, dealerships, and fleet maintenance companies. Automotive technicians in New Zealand earn between $25 to $40 per hour (source: Careers.govt.nz).
10) Logistics and Supply Chain Managers
As global trade and e-commerce continue to grow, the need for efficient logistics and supply chain management becomes more critical. Logistics and supply chain managers are responsible for overseeing the movement of goods, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery. In New Zealand, these professionals can earn between $55,000 to $100,000 per year (source: Lawson Williams, 2023 from Careers.govt.nz).
Recruitment Agencies for International Applicants
If you are interested in applying for jobs in New Zealand, be sure to course your application only through legitimate and DMW-accredited recruitment agencies (previously POEA), like Staffhouse International Resources. Staffhouse offers recruitment agency services for New Zealand and has successfully deployed Filipinos to various parts of the world since 1999. For its good practices, Staffhouse was named a Top Performer Awardee and Top Deploying Agency in 2018, 2019, and 2020 by the POEA. It also has a long-standing partnership experience with foreign placement agencies and is known as a 100% non-fee charging company, so you do not have to worry about fees. Contact us today to learn more.
