Sector Agreements

Sector Agreements are key players in shaping the way New Zealand’s migrant workforce operates, affecting things like wages, job requirements, and pathways to residency. They are essential for making sure immigration rules are followed and for developing a skilled workforce across different industries in our country.

Below is an outline to help you better understand the role of Sector Agreements in New Zealand.

Sector Agreements, established between Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and specific industry sectors, outline the terms and conditions under which employers can hire migrant workers.

Certain industries have restrictions on the number of visa holders they can employ, referred to as ‘capped’ sectors. Industries without these limitations are termed “uncapped” sectors.

Some roles covered by a sector agreement provide a pathway to residence meaning workers are eligible to apply for residence after completing work experience in New Zealand. Contact us to find out more about this.

Capped versus uncapped Sector Agreements.

Uncapped Sector Agreements

Transport: In the transport sector, agreements are in place to regulate the employment of migrant workers in roles such as truck driving, logistics, and public transportation.

Care Workforce: The care workforce sector focuses on healthcare and aged care roles. Sector agreements provide frameworks for hiring migrant workers to address skill shortages while maintaining quality standards in care services.

Construction and Infrastructure: these agreements govern the recruitment of migrant workers for roles, including construction trades, project management, and civil engineering and contribute to addressing labour shortages in the construction industry while upholding safety and regulatory standards.

Seasonal Snow and Adventure Tourism: agreements in this sector support the seasonal nature of snow and adventure tourism. Employers can hire migrant workers for temporary positions during peak seasons, such as ski instructors and adventure guides, without being subject to a quota.

Tourism and Hospitality: While there’s no specific sector agreement for tourism and hospitality, there is a temporary median wage exemption in place, allowing employers to hire migrant workers at a lower wage rate for certain roles in the industry.

Capped Sector Agreements

Meat Processing: an annual recruitment cap of 320 migrant workers applies for roles involved in meat processing plants, including butchers, slaughterers, and meat packers, helping meet demand for skilled workers.

Seafood Processing (onshore): an annual recruitment cap of 600 migrant workers applies for roles related to fish processing, aquaculture, and seafood packaging.

Sector agreements provide a framework for employers to recruit overseas workers, ensuring that both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations. By participating in sector agreements, employers contribute to the growth and sustainability of their industries while meeting their workforce needs responsibly and ethically.

If you are interested to learn more about sector agreements, get in touch with us.