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Immigration changes can feel heavy and formal. That’s why it helps to have a plain, friendly explanation. Here I’ll explain, in simple English, what was Announced by Immigration New Zealand, who can use the new seasonal visas, what employers should do, and the practical steps a worker or traveller must take. I will also point out quick checks like how to view your NZeTA Visa Status and how to Submit NZeTA Online when that applies. 

Quick summary — what was announced

The government has Announced by Immigration New Zealand that two new seasonal visa pathways will be available from 8 December 2025. These two visas are called the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). The aim is simple: help farms, food processors and tourism businesses bring in extra workers during busy seasons while protecting local jobs and worker rights. This change was clearly Announced by Immigration New Zealand as part of wider employer-based work visa settings. 

Who these visas are for — explained simply

When reading what was Announced by Immigration New Zealand, think of two main groups:

• People who have done seasonal work before and want to return regularly. The GWSV — which was Announced by Immigration New Zealand — is aimed at these more experienced seasonal workers. It can allow multi-entry over a longer period (for example, up to a few years) so people can come back for harvests or peak seasons without reapplying each time.
• People who want a short, single-season job (for example, students or those looking for work just for the busy months). The PSV — also Announced by Immigration New Zealand — is designed for short-term roles (for example, up to seven months) and covers entry-level seasonal work.

Both visas sit inside the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, so employers will generally need to be accredited or do a job check before hiring overseas workers. This protection was part of what was Announced by Immigration New Zealand to avoid misuse. 

Why this matters — in plain words

Imagine a fruit farm that needs lots of hands for two months every year. If local workers are not available, harvests can be lost. By introducing the GWSV and PSV — which were Announced by Immigration New Zealand — the government wants to give employers a clear, fair way to hire seasonal help when they truly need it. At the same time, the new rules include checks so employers must show they tried to hire locally first. These checks were included in the information Announced by Immigration New Zealand. 

Important rules and worker protections

When reading the details that were Announced by Immigration New Zealand, look out for these protections:

• Employers may need accreditation and must meet standards for accommodation and worker wellbeing.
• Visa rules can limit how long someone can stay each year, to keep the pathway seasonal rather than permanent. This was explained in the materials Announced by Immigration New Zealand. 
• Existing seasonal schemes (like the Recognised Seasonal Employer programme) continue to run alongside the new visas — the government did not remove those older options when it Announced by Immigration New Zealand the new pathways.

Steps for workers — simple checklist

1. Decide which visa fits you. If you have past seasonal experience, the GWSV (announced above) may suit you. If you want one short season, look at the PSV. These options were Announced by Immigration New Zealand with the December 2025 start date.
2. Get a job offer from an accredited employer if required. Employers may need to complete job checks first.
3. Prepare documents: passport, ID, proof of past seasonal work (for multi-entry routes), and any health or police checks asked for.
4. If you are from a visa-waiver country, you may not need a visa to visit but you will likely need an NZeTA. Always check your NZeTA Visa Status and, if you haven’t applied yet, Submit NZeTA Online well before travel to avoid check-in problems. The NZeTA system and status check are official and easy to use. 

Steps for employers — simple checklist

• Check whether your business must be accredited under AEWV and be ready to run a job check. This requirement was part of what was Announced by Immigration New Zealand.
• Plan recruitment timelines so workers arrive before peak work periods. The government’s announcement gave the December 2025 date to help employers plan ahead.
• Ensure safe, reasonable accommodation and clear employment contracts — the new rules include worker protections that were Announced by Immigration New Zealand. 

Final clear takeaways

• The government Announced by Immigration New Zealand two new seasonal visas — the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa — starting 8 December 2025 to help during busy months.
• These visas are part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework and come with employer checks and worker safeguards that were Announced by Immigration New Zealand.
• If you are a worker, collect your documents and check your NZeTA Visa Status or Submit NZeTA Online if you are from a visa-waiver country. If you are an employer, get accreditation sorted and plan hiring early. These steps are based on the official guidance Announced by Immigration New Zealand.