Overseas Workers

• Working Holiday Scheme workers are able to work in the industry without Immigration or W&I approval.
• All the other Immigration permit workers need Immigration and W&I approval – both for the worker and employer need to be approved by both Immigration and W&I.
• Sample copies of the current types of work permits along with a guide as to whether you can employ people with the various types of work permits is available for download below.

To work in New Zealand you must be either a New Zealand or Australian Citizen resident or have a current Working Holiday Permit or other Work Permit. You must also hold or obtain an IRD (Tax) Number.

Working Holiday Permits
Working Holiday Visas are available to people under 30 years of age from around 30 Countries around the world. This permit allows you to work and travel around NZ for up to 15 months. You are now able to apply for Working Holiday Permits online, click below for more details, a list of eligible Countries and instructions on applying. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/workingholiday/

Work Permits
General work permits are not generally issued for picking, packing pruning or maintaining crops within the kiwifruit industry. Those with family who are NZ residents or with qualifications and experience in roles on the skills shortage lists may be eligible.

Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Permit (SSE)
SSE work permits may only be granted to people who are in New Zealand to obtain a work permit to work for no longer than 6 months for any pre-approved employer. Applications can be made through Regional Coordinators or at any branch of Immigration. Employers wishing to apply for pre-approval status should contact Ian Stewart at the Seasonal Labour Office to understand the full process.

A copy of the application form is available for download below.

To work in New Zealand you must have an IRD number (Tax number). It can take up to 10 working days to obtain, however the process can take as little as 48 hours if you apply through NZKGI's Seasonal Labour Co-ordinator.

Applications can made at any branch of:

• Inland Revenue Department
• Kiwibank
• Automotive Association, or through
• PickNZ Regional Coordinators.

You will need two forms of identification, one of which must have a photo.

Click here to return to seasonal labour page.