If you’ve been dreaming of starting a new life in New Zealand, supermarket jobs could be your stepping stone. These roles are mostly on-site positions where you’ll work directly with customers and teams, not remote jobs. The average pay ranges from NZD $25 to $28 per hour, with supervisors and department leads earning more.
Most positions require at least two years of experience in retail or customer service, but many entry-level roles welcome applicants with basic skills and strong work ethic. For many overseas workers, this type of steady, physical work offers more than just income it opens the door to residency and a brighter future for their families.
Types of Supermarket Jobs Offering Visa Sponsorship:
Supermarkets across New Zealand hire international workers for a variety of positions. Roles that often qualify for sponsorship include:
- Checkout operators and cashiers
- Grocery assistants and shelf stockers
- Customer service representatives
- Produce, meat, bakery, and deli staff
- Night-fill and warehouse staff
- Supervisors and team leaders
Major chains like Countdown, New World, and Pak’nSave regularly advertise these opportunities.
Visa Requirements:
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main visa for overseas workers seeking sponsorship in New Zealand. Starting March 10, 2025, new changes make supermarket jobs more accessible.
Key AEWV Updates in 2025:
- Work experience requirement: Reduced from 3 years to 2 years for most roles.
- Wage threshold: The median wage requirement has been removed. Employers must pay at least the legal minimum wage and meet market rate standards.
- Visa length: Lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 4 and 5) can now qualify for visas up to 3 years.
- Employer obligations: Employers must still prove they tried to hire locally, but the process is now simpler and more declaration-based.
These updates make it easier for supermarket roles, which are typically lower-skilled, to qualify for sponsorship.
Steps to Apply for a Supermarket Job with Visa Sponsorship:
- Search for Accredited Employers
Look for job ads on SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn marked “visa sponsorship” or “AEWV.” Confirm the employer is accredited on the Immigration New Zealand website. - Check Role Requirements
Most supermarket jobs now require only two years of relevant work experience. Roles at supervisory levels may require more. - Prepare Documentation
- Updated CV and cover letter (NZ format)
- Work reference letters or contracts
- Police and medical clearances
- Proof of qualifications, if applicable
- Apply and Follow Up
Submit applications and contact HR departments directly to ask about visa sponsorship. Persistence can set you apart from other applicants.
Benefits:
- Steady Income: Average pay between NZD $25–$28 per hour, with higher rates for supervisors.
- Visa Sponsorship: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) makes it possible to work legally and gain a pathway to residency.
- Job Security: Supermarkets are essential services, providing consistent demand for staff across the country.
- Entry-Level Friendly: Many roles require only two years of experience, making it easier for international applicants.
- Longer Visa Duration: From 2025, lower-skilled roles can qualify for up to 3 years under AEWV.
- Regional Opportunities: Higher chances of sponsorship in smaller towns and rural areas where staff shortages are common.
- Pathway to Growth: Opportunities to move into supervisory or managerial positions over time.
- Family Support: Some visa categories allow you to bring dependents, helping families settle together.
Challenges:
- Local applicants: Employers must show they attempted to hire within New Zealand first.
- Visa processing times: Allow for delays in application approvals.
- Wage fairness: Ensure your contract meets both legal and market pay standards.
- Employer obligations: Always confirm the employer is accredited to avoid scams or invalid offers.
Supermarket Chains Likely to Offer Sponsorship:
While not every role is advertised with sponsorship upfront, these employers often provide opportunities:
- Countdown (Woolworths NZ)
- New World
- Pak’nSave
- Four Square (regional locations)
- Foodstuffs North Island and South Island
Jobs in smaller towns and rural supermarkets sometimes have higher chances of sponsorship due to ongoing staff shortages.
Why 2025 Is the Right Time:
- Lowered work experience requirement (2 years instead of 3).
- Removal of the median wage threshold.
- Longer visa durations for supermarket and retail roles.
- Labour shortages across retail and service industries.
These factors make 2025 one of the best years to pursue supermarket employment in New Zealand with visa sponsorship.
Conclusion:
Supermarket jobs in New Zealand are a practical entry point for overseas workers, offering steady pay, sponsorship options, and clear career paths. With the 2025 AEWV changes lower experience requirements, longer visa durations, and no median wage threshold opportunities are wider than ever. By targeting accredited employers and preparing strong applications, you can turn supermarket work into a pathway toward stability and residency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Do supermarkets in New Zealand sponsor visas?
Yes, many accredited employers such as Countdown, New World, and Pak’nSave sponsor overseas workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
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What experience do I need to apply?
Most supermarket jobs require only two years of relevant experience instead of three. Some entry-level roles may accept less.
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How much do supermarket jobs in New Zealand pay?
On average, entry-level supermarket workers earn NZD $25–$28 per hour, while supervisors and team leaders can earn higher rates.
