Are you passionate about gardening and landscaping? Downer Green Spaces, a leading provider of grounds maintenance and horticultural services in New Zealand, is currently hiring qualified and/or experienced gardeners to join their professional team.
These positions offer visa sponsorship for international candidates along with several employment benefits.
Details:
Country | New Zealand |
---|---|
Job Title | Gardener |
Education Required | High School Diploma or equivalent |
Experience Required | 1–2 Years (minimum) |
Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Poultry Farm Workers Jobs in New Zealand
Work Opportunities in New Zealand:
The New Zealand government supports various employment opportunities for overseas workers, including gardener roles with visa sponsorship under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. If you have experience or qualifications in gardening, landscaping, or horticulture, this could be a great chance to work and live in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for gardener jobs with visa sponsorship, applicants are typically expected to meet the following conditions:
- Relevant horticulture qualification or industry experience
- Valid full driver’s license (Class 1 or higher preferred)
- A reliable work history with a willingness to learn
- Self-motivated and results-focused
- Basic English communication skills
- At least 1 year of gardening or landscaping experience
- Secondary or higher education may be required by some employers
- Knowledge of garden maintenance, landscaping, and use of gardening tools
- Understanding of plant care, pest control, and seasonal plant needs
- Basic math skills for calculating fertilizer and chemical dilution rates
- Physical fitness and comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Awareness of health and safety standards in landscaping and garden work
Job Responsibilities:
As a gardener in New Zealand, your daily duties may include:
- Maintaining gardens to meet required standards
- Lawn mowing, weed control, leaf blowing, and trimming
- Planting and caring for flowers, shrubs, and trees
- Using and maintaining garden equipment like mowers and trimmers
- Removing litter and garden waste
- Advising management on garden-related costs and plant needs
- Preparing written quotes or reports when necessary
- Ensuring workplace safety for staff and visitors
- Applying fertilizers and pesticides safely
- Identifying and treating plant diseases and pests
- Recommending improvements for landscape design and maintenance
- Planting and cultivating trees, flowers, and shrubs
- Lawn maintenance and irrigation
- Operating gardening equipment
- Landscaping and groundskeeping
- Cleaning and beautifying outdoor areas
Benefits:
- Visa Sponsorship Provided
Accredited employers can sponsor eligible foreign workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. - Competitive Salary
Gardeners in New Zealand earn approximately NZD 25–28 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and location. - Paid Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year after 6 months of continuous employment. - Parental and Partner Leave
Workers can access parental leave, including partner’s leave, as per New Zealand’s labor laws. - Opportunity for Long-Term Residency
Skilled workers may be eligible for residency pathways after working in New Zealand under an AEWV. - Safe and Inclusive Work Environment
Employers follow strict health and safety regulations and promote inclusive, fair workplaces. - Training and Skill Development
Many employers offer on-the-job training, skill certifications, and career development opportunities. - Superannuation for Residents
Eligible residents aged 65+ can access New Zealand Superannuation (retirement pension). - Work-Life Balance
Flexible work hours and outdoor work environments promote a healthy lifestyle. - Experience Nature First-Hand
Gardeners work in beautiful parks, public gardens, and private estates, enjoying New Zealand’s scenic landscapes. - Relocation Support (Varies by Employer)
Some employers may offer relocation assistance, temporary accommodation, or airport pickup for international hires.
Horticulture Jobs:
New Zealand’s thriving horticulture sector offers rewarding job opportunities for both locals and international applicants. Whether you’re experienced in growing, harvesting, or plant science, there are various horticulture jobs across NZ in vineyards, orchards, nurseries, and greenhouses.
Types of Horticulture Jobs in NZ:
- Orchard workers
- Viticulture technicians
- Nursery assistants
- Crop harvesters
- Irrigation specialists
Why Choose a Horticulture Career in NZ?
- High demand for skilled and seasonal workers
- Visa sponsorship opportunities for overseas applicants
- Work in scenic locations across regions like Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Marlborough
Start your horticulture career in NZ today. Browse listings, connect with employers, and apply for full-time or seasonal roles in this fast-growing industry.
Groundskeeper Jobs:
Groundskeeper jobs in New Zealand are ideal for those who enjoy maintaining outdoor spaces, parks, sports fields, and school grounds. From mowing lawns to pruning trees and managing irrigation systems, groundskeepers play a vital role in outdoor maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lawn mowing and hedge trimming
- Weed control and garden clean-up
- Equipment and irrigation system maintenance
Employers Hiring Groundskeepers:
- City councils
- Educational institutions
- Private estates
- Commercial landscaping companies
Many employers provide training and offer visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. If you have landscaping or garden care experience, explore current groundskeeper vacancies across NZ.
Landscape Gardener Vacancies:
New Zealand is constantly expanding its green infrastructure, which fuels demand for talented landscape gardeners. These professionals design, install, and maintain beautiful outdoor environments for residential, commercial, and public spaces.
Roles Available:
- Landscape designer
- Softscape gardener
- Hardscape laborer
- Planting and mulching crew member
Skills in Demand:
- Knowledge of planting techniques and soil preparation
- Landscape design and blueprint reading
- Use of garden and construction tools
Whether you’re experienced or just entering the field, explore landscape gardener vacancies in NZ and take part in shaping the country’s outdoor spaces.
Garden Maintenance Jobs:
If you have a green thumb and enjoy hands-on outdoor work, garden maintenance jobs in NZ are a perfect fit. From private homes to commercial buildings, maintenance workers ensure gardens stay tidy, healthy, and beautiful year-round.
Tasks Include:
- Pruning shrubs and trees
- Fertilizing lawns and plants
- Controlling pests and diseases
- Seasonal clean-ups
Many of these roles require basic gardening skills and a love for the outdoors. Employers may provide transport and tools. Browse garden maintenance vacancies in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and more.
Seasonal Gardener Jobs:
Looking for temporary work in New Zealand? Seasonal gardener jobs offer a flexible way to earn while enjoying the outdoors. These roles peak in spring and summer and are ideal for students, travelers, or anyone seeking short-term employment.
Common Seasonal Gardening Tasks:
- Planting and watering
- Lawn mowing and leaf raking
- Seasonal pruning and mulching
Why Consider Seasonal Work?
- No formal qualifications required
- Great way to travel and work in different regions
- Many jobs offer hourly pay, accommodation, and flexible hours
These roles are often found in hospitality, tourism, and residential landscaping sectors. Apply early to secure your spot for the next gardening season.
Outdoor Maintenance Jobs:
Outdoor maintenance jobs go beyond just gardening—they include a variety of tasks to maintain the functionality and appearance of exterior spaces. From cleaning walkways to maintaining outdoor lighting, these roles are in demand across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
Typical Duties:
- Sweeping and clearing debris
- Fence and pathway repairs
- Gutter and exterior cleaning
- Basic landscaping and painting
Employers such as local councils, resorts, and facilities management companies regularly hire for these roles. If you enjoy physical work and being outdoors, explore outdoor maintenance job listings across NZ.
Landscaping Careers:
Pursue a rewarding landscaping career in New Zealand with opportunities ranging from design to construction and maintenance. Landscaping professionals are essential in transforming outdoor spaces into functional, aesthetic environments.
Career Paths in Landscaping:
- Landscape architecture
- Garden and lawn care
- Landscape construction
- Irrigation and drainage
Why Choose Landscaping in NZ?
- Consistent job demand across urban and rural areas
- Opportunities for career growth and certification
- Competitive pay and potential for business ownership
Whether you’re a creative designer or hands-on builder, NZ’s landscaping industry welcomes skilled and motivated individuals.
How to Apply for New Zealand Gardener Jobs with Visa Sponsorship 2025?
Ready to join Downer Green Spaces or similar employers as a gardener in New Zealand?
Follow these steps to apply:
- Update your CV with gardening or horticulture experience.
- Visit official job portals like:
- Downer Careers
- Seek.co.nz
- TradeMe Jobs
- Look for roles offering visa sponsorship (check for AEWV eligibility).
- Submit your application online with a tailored cover letter.
- Prepare for an interview (remote or in person).
Conclusion:
Gardener jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship offer a unique opportunity to work in one of the world’s most beautiful natural environments. If you have experience and a passion for horticulture, this could be the perfect career path for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can foreign workers apply for gardener jobs in New Zealand?
Yes, foriegn workers can apply for gardener jobs in New Zealand if the employer is accredited and offers visa sponsorship under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.
Do I need a horticulture qualification to work as a gardener in New Zealand?
Not always. While formal horticulture training or certification is preferred by some employers, many gardener roles are available to those with practical hands-on experience (minimum 1–2 years).
What is the average salary for a gardener in New Zealand?
The average hourly wage for gardeners in New Zealand ranges between NZD 25 to NZD 28 per hour, depending on experience and location.