Are you experienced in agriculture or looking to work in a thriving farming environment? Poultry farming in New Zealand is one of the country’s growing sectors, and many employers offer visa sponsorship to overseas workers.
Whether you’re an experienced farmhand or just entering the industry, numerous roles are available.
Details:
- Position: Poultry Farm Worker
- Location: Various farms across New Zealand (e.g., Waikato, Canterbury, Otago)
- Job Type: Full-time, permanent or seasonal
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Requirements:
- Basic knowledge of poultry or general farming is preferred.
- Ability to operate or learn farm equipment and machinery.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to adapt, learn new tasks, and follow safety procedures.
- Previous farming experience is an asset but not mandatory.
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Kitchen Staff Jobs in New Zealand
Benefits:
1. Legal Work Status
Visa sponsorship ensures you’re legally allowed to live and work in New Zealand under a recognized visa type, often the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
2. Competitive Pay
Poultry farm workers typically earn between NZD $23–$28 per hour, with opportunities for overtime and pay increases based on performance.
3. Accommodation Support
Many employers offer free or subsidized accommodation, often on or near the farm, which helps reduce your living expenses significantly.
4. Pathway to Residency
Working in essential sectors like agriculture may provide a pathway to permanent residency, depending on your visa and employer accreditation.
5. Health and Safety Protections
New Zealand has strict workplace safety regulations, and sponsored workers are covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) for work-related injuries.
6. Family Visa Options
Some work visas allow you to bring your spouse or children, depending on your role, employer, and contract length.
7. Career Growth Opportunities
Many farms offer on-the-job training, and hard-working employees may be promoted to supervisor or management roles over time.
8. Work-Life Balance
New Zealand is known for a balanced lifestyle, with clean environments, friendly communities, and beautiful landscapes—ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life.
9. Employer Support With Paperwork
Your sponsoring employer typically assists with visa application processes, job offer documentation, and compliance, making it easier to transition abroad.
10. Cultural Exchange & International Experience
Working in New Zealand allows you to gain international work experience, meet people from around the world, and explore a new culture.
Duties:
- The process of poultry maintenance involves the feeding, hydrating, and care of the birds.
- It is the initial and most critical stage in the process of disease management to monitor the health of birds and identify ill birds.
- The sanitation and cleansing of poultry houses and the machinery that are employed in poultry production operations.
- Removal of eggs and subsequent sale of them according to their classification.
- Assistance with vaccinations and medication administration in the context of therapeutic care.
- Driving tractors and fertilizers is also a component of farming.
- Recording inventory, production, and animal welfare are among the numerous activities that comprise livestock accountancy.
- Pay close attention to biosecurity regulations in order to prevent the transmission of diseases.
- We are providing assistance to juveniles that are harboring watersheds during the embryo incubation process.
- Providing assistance with the fundamental agrarian tasks.
Salary Overview:
- Entry-level: NZD $22 – $25/hour
- Experienced: Up to NZD $28–30/hour
- Additional benefits may include:
- On-site housing or accommodation stipend
- Performance-based bonuses
- Shift differentials for weekend or night work
Common Poultry Farm Worker Roles:
- Poultry Farm Hand – Performs general poultry care and facility upkeep.
- Egg Collector – Gathers, grades, and packages eggs for sale.
- Broiler Worker – Manages meat chickens, monitors weight gain and health.
- Layer Worker – Focuses on egg-laying hens, ensuring optimal production.
- Hatchery Worker – Supports chick incubation, hatching, and early care.
- Breeder Farm Worker – Maintains breeding stock and egg collection for fertility.
- Poultry Health Assistant – Assists with disease control and administering treatments.
- Farm Equipment Operator – Handles feeders, tractors, and sanitation equipment.
- Livestock Record Keeper – Maintains digital or manual records for inventory and health tracking.
- Farm Supervisor – Oversees operations, ensures regulatory compliance, and manages teams.
Application Process:
New Zealand employers in the poultry industry often hire overseas workers through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
- Find Accredited Employers: Search for poultry farm jobs on platforms like Seek NZ, Trade Me Jobs, or directly on company websites.
- Update Your Resume: Highlight your relevant skills, agricultural experience, and willingness to relocate.
- Submit Applications: Apply online or contact farm employers or recruitment agencies directly.
- Interview Process: Be prepared to discuss your experience, physical stamina, adaptability, and biosecurity awareness.
- Receive Job Offer: Once selected, the employer will help you begin the visa sponsorship process.
- Visa Application: Work with the employer to submit an AEWV application via Immigration New Zealand.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Poultry Farm Workers Jobs in New Zealand 2025?
If you’re ready to begin your agriculture career in New Zealand, now is the time to act.
Steps to Take:
- Prepare your international-ready CV
- Search job listings on:
Seek.co.nz
TradeMe Jobs
New Kiwis - Explore visa options and application details at:
Immigration New Zealand – Work Visas
Final Note:
Poultry farm work in New Zealand offers a rewarding opportunity to live and grow in a country known for its high-quality agriculture and supportive rural communities. Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding your skills, this career path is both meaningful and full of potential.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average salary for poultry farm workers in New Zealand?
Wages typically range from NZD $23 to $28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer benefits.
Is prior experience in poultry farming required?
Not always. Some employers provide training. However, having prior experience in farm work, animal handling, or agricultural labor can improve your chances.
What does visa sponsorship mean for poultry farm jobs in New Zealand?
Visa sponsorship means that an employer in New Zealand is willing to support a foreign worker’s visa application so they can legally live and work in the country.
