Companies That Sponsor Work Visas in New Zealand: Top Industries + Full List (2026)
New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system requires employers to be accredited before they can hire international workers. As of 2026, 24,823 employers hold accreditation — and we've analyzed every single one.
This guide covers which industries sponsor the most workers, the top accredited employers, and practical strategies for landing an AEWV-sponsored job in New Zealand.
NZ Visa Sponsorship by the Numbers
- 24,823 accredited employers
- 176,664 AEWV grants issued to date
- 11 major industries represented
- Top occupations: Builders labourers (11,681), carpenters (8,159), chefs (6,292)
Top Industries by Number of Accredited Employers
| # | Industry | Employers | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accommodation and Food Services | 4,027 | 16.2% |
| 2 | Construction | 3,529 | 14.2% |
| 3 | Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing | 2,560 | 10.3% |
| 4 | Retail Trade | 2,270 | 9.1% |
| 5 | Manufacturing | 2,107 | 8.5% |
| 6 | Professional & Technical Services | 1,692 | 6.8% |
| 7 | Other Services | 1,637 | 6.6% |
| 8 | Health Care and Social Assistance | 1,395 | 5.6% |
| 9 | Transport and Warehousing | 1,292 | 5.2% |
| 10 | Administrative and Support Services | 1,039 | 4.2% |
| 11 | Education and Training | 850 | 3.4% |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
This is NZ's standout sector for visa sponsorship — and our top-performing page on Google. With 2,560 accredited employers, roles range from dairy farm workers and fruit pickers to forestry operators and fishing crew. Seasonal and permanent positions are available year-round. Key regions include Canterbury, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty for dairy, while Hawke's Bay and Marlborough dominate horticulture.
Accommodation and Food Services
The largest sector by employer count. Hotels, restaurants, cafes, and catering companies throughout New Zealand actively sponsor chefs, cooks, hotel managers, and hospitality workers. Major chains like Pizza Hut (23 locations) are accredited. Queenstown, Auckland, and Rotorua have the highest concentration of hospitality employers due to tourism demand.
Construction
NZ's building boom continues to drive demand for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, project managers, and heavy equipment operators. 3,529 construction companies hold AEWV accreditation. Auckland's housing development and Christchurch's ongoing rebuild are the primary drivers. Builders labourers (11,681 grants) and carpenters (8,159 grants) are the two most sponsored occupations in the entire AEWV system.
Healthcare
Nurses, aged care workers, physiotherapists, and lab technicians are in high demand. 1,395 healthcare employers are accredited, including hospitals and private practices across both islands. Personal care assistants account for 5,612 grants — the fourth-highest occupation nationally. Healthcare roles are often on the Green List, which provides a faster pathway to residency.
Transport and Warehousing
Truck drivers (4,715 grants) are among the most sponsored roles in New Zealand. Logistics companies, freight operators, and courier services hold 1,292 accreditations. Class 2 and Class 5 heavy vehicle licences are the most sought-after qualifications in this sector.
Accredited Employer List New Zealand 2026
The full accredited employer list for New Zealand contains 24,823 employers verified by Immigration New Zealand. Every employer on this list has passed the accreditation process and is eligible to support Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications. The list is updated regularly as new employers gain accreditation and others expire.
Notable Accredited Employers
- Pizza Hut — 23 accredited locations across NZ
- CREST CLEAN — 13 locations, commercial cleaning
- Edwards & Hardy Roofing — 8 locations, construction
- Qube Logistics — 7 locations, transport and warehousing
- Big Barrel — 6 locations, retail
You can search the complete accredited employer list and verify any employer's status using our Sponsor Check Tool or browse the full searchable NZ employer database.
How to Find NZ Sponsors
- Search our full employer list — Search all 24,823 NZ accredited employers
- Browse by industry — NZ visa sponsorship hub with industry breakdowns
- Check accreditation status — use Sponsor Check Tool to verify any employer
AEWV Requirements
- Median wage threshold: NZ$31.61/hour (as of 2026)
- Employer accreditation: Required — employer must be on the accredited list
- Job check: Most roles require a labour market test
- Visa duration: Up to 3 years, renewable
- Health and character: Medical certificate and police clearance required
How NZ Employer Accreditation Works
The accreditation process is a prerequisite for any employer wanting to hire foreign workers under the AEWV system. There are two types of accreditation:
- Standard accreditation: For employers hiring 1-5 migrants at a time. Valid for 12 months (first-time) or 24 months (renewal). Costs NZ$740.
- High-volume accreditation: For employers hiring 6+ migrants. Requires additional compliance checks, including a workplace assessment. Valid for 24 months.
Accreditation can expire or be revoked if the employer fails to meet immigration obligations. Immigration New Zealand conducts regular audits and can suspend or revoke accreditation for non-compliance. This is why verifying current accreditation status is critical before accepting a job offer.
Pathway to NZ Residency
The AEWV can lead to permanent residency through several pathways. The most direct route is the Green List — occupations like registered nurses, electricians, plumbers, and veterinarians qualify for a direct residency pathway after 2 years of work. Occupations on the "work to residence" section of the Green List require 2 years of qualifying work experience before applying. Workers not on the Green List can explore the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points-based system after gaining NZ work experience.
Strategies for Getting Sponsored in NZ
New Zealand's accreditation system means the employer does the heavy lifting — but you still need to stand out. Here are practical tips:
- Target accredited employers directly. Unlike other countries, NZ publishes which employers are accredited. Use our NZ database to find employers in your industry and region, then apply directly to their websites or email hiring managers.
- Check the Green List. If your occupation is on NZ's Green List (nurses, engineers, electricians, vets, and others), you qualify for a direct pathway to residency — making you a more attractive candidate for employers.
- Consider regional NZ. Auckland has the most employers, but competition is highest there. Regional areas like Canterbury, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty have strong demand and employers who struggle to fill roles locally.
- Verify accreditation is current. Employer accreditation expires and must be renewed. Always confirm an employer's accreditation is active before investing time in their application process.
- Prepare for the median wage test. Most AEWV roles must pay at least the median wage (NZ$31.61/hr). Some occupations are exempt, but confirm the wage requirement for your specific role before applying.
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