5 High Demand New Zealand Jobs with Relocation Packages

New Zealand, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, welcoming culture, and exceptional work-life balance, is a top destination for skilled professionals seeking rewarding careers.

The country’s economy thrives on a persistent need for talent in key sectors, offering high-demand jobs with salaries ranging from NZD $70,000 to $90,000, often accompanied by generous relocation packages.

These packages, valued at NZD $5,000–$10,000, typically cover flights, visa fees, and temporary housing, easing the transition for international workers. New Zealand’s Green List, managed by Immigration New Zealand, prioritizes critical occupations, providing streamlined visa pathways and residency options.

This in-depth, SEO-optimized guide explores five high-demand jobs for 2025, detailing eligibility requirements, visa processes, and practical strategies to secure these roles with relocation support. Drawing on government sources, industry data, and job market trends as of May 17, 2025, this article is designed for professionals eager to build a future in Aotearoa.

Why New Zealand for High-Demand Jobs?

New Zealand’s economy is forecast to grow at 2.5% annually through 2028, with a need for approximately 40,000 new workers each year due to retirements and emigration, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Skill shortages in healthcare, education, engineering, technology, and hospitality create abundant opportunities for foreigners, with salaries often exceeding the national median of NZD $65,852.

Employers in these sectors frequently offer relocation packages to attract global talent, covering costs like airfare, accommodation, and visa processing.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Green List visas (Tier 1 for immediate residency, Tier 2 for residency after two years) simplify immigration, with over 30,000 work visas granted to foreigners in 2023, per Immigration New Zealand data.

High-demand roles are available in urban hubs like Auckland and Wellington, as well as regional areas such as Queenstown and Christchurch, where incentives like housing allowances are common.

This guide highlights five high-demand jobs offering competitive salaries and relocation support, ideal for international professionals seeking career growth and a vibrant lifestyle in New Zealand.

Top 5 High-Demand Jobs with Relocation Packages

Below are five high-demand jobs in New Zealand for 2025, each offering salaries between $70,000 and $90,000, along with relocation packages.

Each section includes the ANZSCO code, median salary, job requirements, top employers, key locations, and visa pathways, based on data from SEEK, TradeMe Jobs, Immigration New Zealand, and industry reports.

1. Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254418)

• Median Salary: $79,000–$86,000/year
• Description: Registered nurses provide critical care in hospitals, aged care facilities, or community health settings, specializing in areas like intensive care, pediatrics, or mental health. The demand stems from an aging population and healthcare system expansion, with an estimated 4,800 nurse shortage reported in 2024.
• Relocation Package: Up to $10,000, covering flights, temporary housing, visa fees, and sometimes a $3,000–$5,000 retention bonus for rural areas like Southland or Waikato.
• Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing or equivalent (NZQF Level 7).
  • Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, often requiring a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) for overseas nurses ($2,500, 6–8 weeks).
  • Minimum 2 years of post-qualification experience for senior roles.
  • English proficiency: IELTS Academic 7.0 in each band or OET Grade B.
  • NZQA International Qualification Assessment (IQA) ($746) for non-recognized degrees.
• Top Employers: Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ), Ryman Healthcare, Oceania Healthcare.
• Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin.
• Visa Pathway: Green List Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) for roles paying above the median wage of $31.61/hour (~$65,000/year). Processing time: 3–6 months.
• Demand Driver: The 2024 Health Workforce Plan underscores a critical need for nurses, particularly in rural and aged care settings, with government incentives boosting recruitment.

2. Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411)

• Median Salary: $71,000–$80,000/year
• Description: Secondary school teachers instruct students aged 13–18 in subjects such as mathematics, science, or languages, working in public, private, or international schools. Shortages in STEM subjects fuel demand, with 600 overseas teachers hired annually.
• Relocation Package: Up to $7,000 for moving costs, visa fees, and short-term accommodation, plus $3,500 bonuses for hard-to-staff schools in regions like Northland or the West Coast.
• Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in education or a subject-specific degree plus a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary, Level 7).
  • Registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (provisional certificate, $400, 6–8 weeks).
  • At least 2 years of teaching experience.
  • English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 in each band.
  • NZQA IQA for overseas qualifications.
• Top Employers: Ministry of Education, private schools (e.g., Kristin School), international schools.
• Locations: Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Dunedin.
• Visa Pathway: Green List Tier 1 (Straight to Residence).
• Demand Driver: A 15% vacancy rate in secondary schools, reported by the Ministry of Education, is driven by retirements and a lack of STEM-qualified teachers.

3. Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)

• Median Salary: $75,000–$90,000/year
• Description: Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water systems, supporting New Zealand’s $10 billion annual infrastructure investment in projects like the Auckland City Rail Link.
• Relocation Package: Up to $10,000, including flights, visa support, and accommodation, with firms like WSP offering $5,000 sign-on bonuses for projects in Auckland or Christchurch.
• Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (Level 7).
  • Skills assessment by Engineering New Zealand ($600–$1,200, 2–3 months).
  • 3+ years of relevant experience.
  • English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
  • NZQA IQA if the degree is not accredited by the Washington Accord.
• Top Employers: Fulton Hogan, WSP, Beca, Downer Group.
• Locations: Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga.
• Visa Pathway: Green List (Construction and Infrastructure), eligible for AEWV or Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). AEWV processing: 3–5 weeks; SMC: 6–12 months.
• Demand Driver: Major infrastructure projects require an additional 2,000 engineers by 2026, per MBIE’s 2024 workforce projections.

4. Full-Stack Developer (ANZSCO 261313)

• Median Salary: $70,000–$90,000/year
• Description: Full-stack developers build web and mobile applications, utilizing front-end (React, Vue.js) and back-end (Node.js, Python) technologies. The tech sector’s 12% annual growth creates consistent demand.
• Relocation Package: Up to $8,000 for visa fees, flights, and temporary housing, with companies like Xero offering $2,000–$5,000 settling-in allowances.
• Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field (Level 7).
  • 2–5 years of experience with technologies like JavaScript, Python, or cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
  • English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
  • Portfolio of projects (e.g., GitHub repository).
  • NZQA IQA for non-standard qualifications.
• Top Employers: Xero, TradeMe, Datacom, Spark, Serato.
• Locations: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch.
• Visa Pathway: AEWV or SMC, with high salaries meeting SMC’s 6-point threshold.
• Demand Driver: New Zealand’s tech industry, contributing $16 billion to GDP, creates 3,000 new IT roles yearly, with full-stack developers in high demand.

5. Chef (Sous/Head Chef, ANZSCO 351311)

• Median Salary: $70,000–$90,000/year
• Description: Sous and head chefs craft high-quality cuisine in restaurants, hotels, or resorts, particularly in tourism-driven regions like Queenstown and Rotorua. The hospitality sector’s post-COVID rebound fuels demand.
• Relocation Package: Up to $6,000 for flights, visas, and accommodation, with employers like Hilton offering staff housing or meal allowances in regional areas.
• Requirements:
  • Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent (Level 4).
  • 3–5 years of experience for sous chefs, 5+ for head chefs.
  • English proficiency: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
  • Skills assessment by NZQA or industry bodies ($500–$1,000).
• Top Employers: SkyCity, Hilton, Accor Hotels, Merivale.
• Locations: Queenstown, Wanaka, Auckland, Rotorua.
• Visa Pathway: AEWV, with potential SMC transition for senior roles.
• Demand Driver: Tourism, with 3.2 million visitors in 2024, increases the need for skilled chefs, especially in regional tourism hubs.

Visa Pathways for High-Demand Jobs

To work in these high-demand roles, foreigners must navigate New Zealand’s immigration system. Below are the primary visa options, tailored for jobs offering relocation packages.

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• Overview: A temporary work visa valid for up to 3 years, renewable, ideal for full-stack developers, civil engineers, and chefs.
• Eligibility:
  • Job offer from an accredited employer paying at least the median wage ($31.61/hour or ~$65,000/year).
  • Relevant qualifications and experience.
  • English proficiency (IELTS 5.0 for chefs, 6.5–7.0 for engineers/developers).
  • Health and character checks (medical exam, police clearance from countries resided in for 12+ months).
• Process:
  1. Secure a job offer with a relocation package.
  2. Employer completes a Job Check to verify compliance with immigration standards.
  3. Apply online via Immigration New Zealand with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), IQA, and supporting documents.
  4. Pay visa fee (~NZD $700).
• Processing Time: 3–5 weeks.
• Pathway: Leads to SMC or Green List Work to Residence after 2–3 years of employment.

2. Green List Straight to Residence (Tier 1)

• Overview: Offers direct permanent residency for registered nurses and secondary teachers with job offers above the median wage.
• Eligibility:
  • Job offer in a Tier 1 Green List role.
  • Relevant qualifications and professional registration (e.g., Nursing Council, Teaching Council).
  • English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 for teachers, 6.5–7.0 for nurses).
• Process:
  1. Secure a job offer with relocation support.
  2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, claiming 6 points (3 for job offer, 3–5 for qualifications).
  3. If invited, apply for residency with job offer, registration, and documents.
  4. Pay visa fee (~NZD $4,290).
• Processing Time: 3–6 months.
• Advantage: Immediate PR without requiring prior work experience in New Zealand.

3. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

• Overview: A points-based residency option for roles like full-stack developers and civil engineers, requiring 6 points from qualifications, job offer, or income.
• Eligibility:
  • Job offer paying above the median wage.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5).
• Process:
  1. Submit EOI, claiming points for qualifications (3–5), job offer (3), and experience.
  2. If invited, apply with supporting documents (e.g., IQA, police clearances).
  3. Pay visa fee (~NZD $4,020).
• Processing Time: 6–12 months.
• Advantage: Suitable for high-paying, non-Green List roles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Job with a Relocation Package

Step 1: Research High-Demand Roles

• Check the Green List and Immigration New Zealand’s skill shortage lists for roles like nurses, teachers, and engineers.
• Use job platforms like SEEK, TradeMe Jobs, Education Gazette (for teachers), or Engineering New Zealand to identify listings mentioning “relocation package” or “relocation assistance.”
• Focus on roles with salaries of $70,000–$90,000 to meet visa requirements.

Step 2: Verify and Validate Qualifications

• Obtain an NZQA IQA ($746, 4–6 weeks) to confirm your degree’s equivalence to NZQF Levels 4–7.
• Secure professional registration:
  • Nurses: Nursing Council ($400, 6–8 weeks).
  • Teachers: Teaching Council ($400, 6–8 weeks).
  • Engineers: Engineering New Zealand ($600–$1,200, 2–3 months).
  • Chefs: NZQA skills assessment ($500–$1,000).
• Start the registration process early to avoid delays.

Step 3: Prove English Proficiency

• Book an approved English test:
  • IELTS Academic: 7.0 for nurses/teachers, 6.5 for engineers/developers, 5.0 for chefs.
  • PTE Academic or OET (for nurses).
• Tests are valid for 3 years; aim for higher scores to enhance visa applications.

Step 4: Craft a New Zealand-Specific CV

• Align your CV with the relevant ANZSCO code, highlighting skills and experience.
• Include quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Developed 3 web applications with 10,000+ users”).
• Use a New Zealand format: 2–3 pages, clear headings, and a local contact number (use a virtual number if pre-arrival).

Step 5: Search for Jobs with Relocation Support

• Filter job boards for roles offering relocation packages, using keywords like “relocation allowance” or “international candidates.”
• Target major employers: Te Whatu Ora (nurses), Ministry of Education (teachers), Fulton Hogan (engineers), Xero (developers), SkyCity (chefs).
• Engage recruitment agencies:
  • Hays (engineering, IT).
  • Canstaff (trades, hospitality).
  • EP Education (teachers).
  • New Zealand Skills in Demand (free placement for skilled roles).
• Look for packages valued at $5,000–$10,000, covering flights, visas, and housing.

Step 6: Apply and Prepare for Interviews

• Write tailored cover letters emphasizing your eligibility for Green List or AEWV visas and enthusiasm for relocating.
• Prepare for interviews by studying New Zealand’s workplace culture, including Māori values like manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
• Showcase role-specific skills: clinical expertise for nurses, curriculum knowledge for teachers, AutoCAD for engineers, React for developers, or culinary creativity for chefs.

Step 7: Secure a Job Offer

• Negotiate a salary above $65,000 to meet visa thresholds, aiming for $70,000–$90,000.
• Confirm relocation package details in the contract (e.g., $10,000 for nurses, $6,000 for chefs).
• Request a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer for AEWV applications.

Step 8: Apply for a Visa

• AEWV: Submit an online application via Immigration New Zealand with the CoS, IQA, police clearances, medical exam, and English test results ($700, 3–5 weeks).
• Green List/SMC: Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, followed by a full application if invited ($4,020–$4,290, 3–12 months).
• Consider a licensed immigration adviser (e.g., New Zealand Shores, $2,000–$5,000) for complex cases, such as non-standard qualifications.

Step 9: Relocate and Settle in New Zealand

• Apply for the Overseas Relocation Grant (up to $10,000) to cover additional costs like NZQA fees or moving expenses.
• Pre-arrival: Obtain an IRD number (tax ID) and open a bank account online with providers like ANZ or Westpac.
• On arrival: Complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) for entry.
• Access free settlement support through Immigration New Zealand, Pathways to New Zealand, or local councils for housing, job integration, and cultural orientation.
• Learn basic Māori practices, such as greetings (e.g., kia ora) and protocols (e.g., powhiri), especially for roles in healthcare and education.

Strategies to Maximize Success

1. Focus on Green List Opportunities

• Prioritize Tier 1 roles like nurses and teachers for immediate residency, offering the fastest path to permanent settlement.
• Civil engineers benefit from the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement, which simplifies AEWV requirements and prioritizes infrastructure roles.

2. Target Employers Offering Robust Relocation Packages

• Large employers like Te Whatu Ora, WSP, and SkyCity provide comprehensive packages, often including visa support and accommodation.
• Regional employers in Queenstown, Wanaka, or Christchurch offer additional perks like subsidized housing or sign-on bonuses to attract talent.

3. Enhance Your Skill Set

• Obtain industry-recognized certifications to stand out:
  • Nurses: Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice.
  • Teachers: TESOL or STEM endorsements.
  • Engineers: Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
  • Developers: AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Azure certifications.
  • Chefs: Le Cordon Bleu or NZQA Level 5 culinary qualifications.
• Consider short-term NZQA courses (e.g., Level 4 hospitality) for local credentials, often eligible for post-study work visas.

4. Build a Professional Network

• Join LinkedIn groups like “New Zealand Jobs for Expats” or industry-specific networks (e.g., NZ Nurses Organisation, Engineering New Zealand).
• Attend virtual or in-person job fairs, such as the Auckland Careers Expo or Working In New Zealand webinars.
• Connect with recruiters at Hays, Canstaff, or EP Education for pre-arrival interviews and job matching.

5. Negotiate Competitive Relocation Packages

• Request packages covering flights, visa fees, and 1–3 months’ accommodation, ideally valued at $5,000–$10,000.
• Leverage your international experience to negotiate salaries in the $80,000–$90,000 range, ensuring visa eligibility and financial comfort.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Professional Registration Delays:
   • Nurses and teachers face 6–8-week registration processes, while engineers require 2–3-month skills assessments. Begin these steps well in advance.
2. Visa Processing Times:
   • AEWV applications are processed in 3–5 weeks, but Green List or SMC residency can take 3–12 months. Plan your relocation timeline and finances accordingly.
3. Immigration Costs:
   • Expenses include NZQA IQA ($746), professional registration ($400–$1,200), visa fees ($700–$4,290), English tests ($300), and medical exams ($500). Relocation packages and the Overseas Relocation Grant can offset these costs.
4. Job Market Competition:
   • Urban centers like Auckland are competitive due to high applicant volumes. Consider regional roles (e.g., Queenstown chefs, Christchurch engineers) for faster hiring and additional incentives.
5. Cultural Integration:
   • Understanding Māori culture, including concepts like Te Whāriki (education curriculum) or tikanga (healthcare protocols), is essential for workplace success, particularly in public sector roles.

Salary and Lifestyle Benefits

Salaries of $70,000–$90,000 provide a comfortable lifestyle in New Zealand, where monthly living costs range from NZD $3,000–$4,000 in cities like Auckland and $2,500–$3,500 in regional areas like Hamilton or Tauranga. A one-bedroom apartment costs NZD $1,200–$2,750 in Auckland and $800–$2,500 in regions. Key benefits include:

• Work-Life Balance: A standard 40-hour workweek, 20 days of paid annual leave, and flexible arrangements in many sectors.
• Healthcare and Education: Access to free public healthcare and subsidized education for dependants, enhancing family-friendly living.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities to progress, such as nurses becoming nurse practitioners, engineers moving to project management, or chefs opening their own restaurants.
• Natural and Cultural Attractions: Proximity to iconic sites like Fiordland National Park, Tongariro Crossing, and vibrant Māori cultural events enriches leisure time.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s high-demand jobs—registered nurses, secondary school teachers, civil engineers, full-stack developers, and chefs—offer international professionals salaries of $70,000–$90,000 and relocation packages valued at $5,000–$10,000, making the transition to Aotearoa seamless and financially viable.

Supported by the Green List and AEWV visa pathways, these roles provide clear routes to work and residency, backed by leading employers like Te Whatu Ora, Fulton Hogan, and Xero.

By verifying qualifications, securing professional registrations, and partnering with recruitment agencies like Hays or New Zealand Skills in Demand, candidates can overcome challenges like registration delays and visa costs to secure these opportunities. Begin your journey today to thrive in one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Ready to land a high-demand job in New Zealand with a relocation package? Visit SEEK or TradeMe Jobs to explore openings, apply for an NZQA IQA to validate your qualifications, and connect with a licensed immigration adviser like New Zealand Shores to streamline your visa process. Your rewarding career in New Zealand awaits!