Last updated on June 28th, 2025 at 06:25 pm
Food Factory Jobs in New Zealand 2025: Are you a foreigner looking for a stable, well-paying job in New Zealand? Food factory jobs might be your golden ticket! With attractive salaries, work benefits, and opportunities for visa sponsorship, New Zealand’s food manufacturing sector is booming. Whether you’re a skilled worker or just starting, this guide covers salary pay, benefits, requirements, and step-by-step application tips.
New Zealand’s food industry is a vital part of its economy, contributing significantly to exports and domestic consumption. The sector encompasses a wide range of operations, from meat processing and dairy production to baking and beverage manufacturing. This diversity creates numerous job opportunities for individuals with varying skill levels.
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Details of Food Factory Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
| Country | New Zealand |
| Jobs Title | Food Factory Worker |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Experience | Food industry 1 year (preferred) |
| Age Limit | 21 Years Above |
| Accommodation | Free |
| Language | Basic English |
| Eligibility Country | International Applicants |
| Salary | Average Salary $19 Per Hour |
Salary & Benefits in New Zealand Food Factory Jobs Average Pay Rates (2025)
Salaries vary based on role, experience, and location. Below are approximate earnings:
| Job Position | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Food Packer | $22 – $26 | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Machine Operator | $25 – $30 | $52,000 – $62,000 |
| Quality Control Inspector | $28 – $35 | $58,000 – $72,000 |
| Production Supervisor | $30 – $40 | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Food Technologist | $35 – $50 | $75,000 – $100,000 |
Employee Benefits
- Above-award wages – Many factories pay more than minimum wage.
- Overtime opportunities – Extra hours mean higher earnings.
- Visa sponsorship – Some employers sponsor skilled workers.
- Safe working conditions – Strict New Zealand workplace laws apply.
- Career progression – Potential to move into supervisory or technical roles.
- Pathway to permanent residency – Certain roles qualify for skilled migration visas.
Requirements for Foreign Workers
1. Work Visa Options
To work legally in New Zealand, you’ll need one of the following visas:
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417/462) – Allows short-term work (up to 1 year).
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – Employer-sponsored role for up to 4 years.
- Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 491/494) – For long-term work in regional areas.
2. Skills & Certifications
- No formal qualifications needed for entry-level packing or cleaning jobs.
- Forklift license or machinery training required for operator roles.
- Food safety certifications (e.g., HACCP) are beneficial but not always mandatory.
3. Physical & Language Requirements
- Ability to stand for long shifts (8-12 hours).
- Comfortable working in cold environments (meat/dairy processing).
- Basic English proficiency (IELTS 5.0+ for most work visas).
How to Apply for Food Factory Jobs
1. Where to Find Job Listings
- Top Job Search Websites:
2. Major Employers Hiring Foreign Workers
- JBS New Zealand(Meat processing)
- Inghams Group (Poultry)
- Lion Dairy & Drinks (Dairy products)
- Nestlé New Zealand(Snacks & beverages)
3. Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Workforce New Zealand and Programmed specialize in placing workers in factory jobs.
4. Resume Tips
- Keep it 1-2 pages maximum.
- Highlight any relevant experience (even if not in food manufacturing).
- Include certifications (e.g., forklift license, food safety training).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can foreigners get food factory jobs in New Zealand?
Yes! Many factories hire overseas workers, especially in meat processing, dairy, and packaged foods.
2. Do I need prior experience?
Not always. Entry-level roles (packing, cleaning) often require no experience.
3. What is the easiest visa for factory work?
- Working Holiday Visa (417/462) – Best for short-term work (up to 1 year).
- TSS Visa (482) – For longer-term roles if an employer sponsors you.
4. Is an English test required?
Yes, for most work visas (minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
5. Can I get permanent residency (PR) from a food factory job?
Possibly! If your job is on the Skilled Occupation List, you may qualify for PR.
Take care to avoid fraudsters!
🚫 You should never pay someone for a job application, an interview test, or an interview. A genuine employer will never request payment.