Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government is introducing a new subcategory to the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV), to address demand for workers for upcoming seasonal peaks.
Immigration minister Erica Stanford said a number of sectors would need a significant number of additional workers for key seasonal roles.
"This change is a step forward in creating a smarter immigration system that creates opportunities for people to come here but also protects New Zealanders' rights to work and thrive," Stanford said.
On Wednesday, the government increased the cap on the number of workers allowed in under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme by 1250 people to 20750 for the 2024-25 season. At the same time, it lifted the pause on accommodation cost increases and made the requirement to pay 10 percent above the minimum wage only applicable to experienced workers.
Stanford said the SPWV change would sit alongside the RSE changes, to make it easier for employers to access other seasonal workers they need.
"This is an interim, time-limited, and streamlined pathway and is more in line with the length of seasonal roles," Stanford said.
The usual RSE roles such as horticulture, viticulture, and fishing would be excluded. The roles must be directly related to seasonal activity, and the applicants must have at least four months' experience in the role.
The role must also pay at least $29.66 per hour, be for 30 hours a week, and not exceed nine months in duration. Employers must hold current accreditation under the Accredited Employer Work Visa instructions.
Stanford said she would consider a more permanent, long-term pathway for seasonal workers as part of the upcoming AEWV review.
Stanford said she did not believe the AEWV was fit for purpose, and eventually a seasonal visa that sat outside it would be created.
"But for now, until we get to that piece for work, we are allowing under the Specific Purpose Work Visa those in seasonal work to use that pathway and it'll be much faster and more streamlined."
She said examples could include rural contractors, tourism operators, and ski-field workers.
"We're being really careful here that we're not encroaching into other visa areas."
Seasonal activity would also be weather-dependent, meaning retail could not simply bring in more workers for a busy Christmas period.
