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If you are thinking about short-term work in New Zealand, there is big news. The New Zealand Government will introduce New Seasonal Work Visas starting in December 2025. These visas are made to help businesses find workers during busy times and to make it easier for honest seasonal workers to come and work for a short time. In this article, I will explain what these visas are, who can use them, how they work, and what you should do to prepare. I will use simple English so everyone can understand. I will also mention how this differs from visitor rules like checking your NZeTA Visa Status and where to Submit NZeTA Online if you are only visiting.

What are the New Seasonal Work Visas?

These New Seasonal Work Visas are two separate visa types. One is for more skilled seasonal roles, and the other is for entry-level seasonal work. They sit under the same employer system that already controls work visas, so only trusted and accredited employers can hire people under these visas. The goal is to match real seasonal job needs — for example, winter snow roles, summer tourism, or short harvest work — without letting employers use them for permanent jobs.

Why did New Zealand make these visas?

Many New Zealand industries have times of the year when they need many more workers. Employers often find it hard to hire enough people for these short peaks. The New Seasonal Work Visas are a practical answer. They help employers bring workers quickly when needed, while still protecting jobs for local people. The rules are designed to make sure the jobs are truly seasonal and short-term.

The two visa types — what’s the difference?

The first visa is for skilled seasonal work. This visa is meant for people who already have seasonal experience in skilled roles, like snow guides, senior cellar hands in wineries, or experienced outdoor activity leaders. People using this visa usually need to show work experience in several seasons and will have rules about how long they can stay each year.

The second visa is for entry-level or less skilled seasonal work. This is for jobs like processing work, general dairy work, or other hands-on roles that need many workers for a short time. This visa usually allows shorter stays and has rules to protect local job seekers — for example, employers must advertise roles and check with local services before hiring people from overseas.

Who can apply and who cannot?

Only people with a genuine seasonal job offer from an accredited employer can apply for the New Seasonal Work Visas. The visas do not allow bringing family members as dependants. That means partners and children cannot come on these visas as dependants. The visas are short and focused on fulfilling labour needs during peaks, not on family migration.

What types of jobs are covered?

Jobs that clearly line up with a known busy season are what these visas cover. Examples include seasonal winter ski roles, summer tourism guides, certain food processing and packing jobs in peak time, and some winery or factory roles that only exist during harvest or production surges. If a job runs year-round, it should not be filled by a seasonal visa.

How these visas work with other New Zealand schemes

 New seasonal visas are not a replacement for all other visa schemes. For example, the long-standing Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme that focuses on horticulture remains separate and continues to serve its own needs. If you are a worker or employer, you should check which scheme fits the job — RSE, working holiday visas, or the New Seasonal Work Visas. Also remember, if you are simply visiting New Zealand for tourism, you may need to check your NZeTA Visa Status or Submit NZeTA Online rather than applying for a work visa.

What employers need to do

Employers must be accredited to hire through the New Seasonal Work Visas. They must prove the job is genuinely seasonal, advertise it locally where required, and follow all rules to make sure New Zealand workers have the first chance. Employers also have paperwork steps to complete before their overseas worker can apply.

What workers need to prepare

If you want one of the New Seasonal Work Visas, gather proof of your past seasonal experience. This could be contracts, payslips, letters from employers, or rosters. You will also need standard documents like identity, police checks if needed, and health checks in some cases. For some visa types, health insurance may be required if the stay is longer than a few months. Make sure your employer has done their part before you apply.

Practical things to know before applying

First, check that the role fits the seasonal definition and that the employer is accredited. Second, collect your evidence of past seasonal work. Third, know the visa rules about how long you can stay, and whether you must leave the country between seasons. Finally, if you only plan to visit and not work, check the NZeTA Visa Status and choose to Submit NZeTA Online if needed — this is separate from the work visa process.

Why this matters for workers and communities

These visas aim to make busy seasons smoother. Local businesses can hire people with the right skills when they need them most. Workers get short-term paid work and the chance to return season after season under clearer rules. Communities benefit when work is legal, safe, and well-managed.

Final thoughts

The New Seasonal Work Visas are a focused, practical way to help New Zealand manage seasonal labour needs. If you hope to apply, start preparing your documents and confirm your employer’s accreditation. If you are only visiting for a holiday, check NZeTA Visa Status and Submit NZeTA Online if required. With the right preparation, these new options can make seasonal work easier, fairer, and safer for both employers and workers. If you are interested in seasonal roles, now is a good time to gather proof of your experience and ask employers whether they will use the new scheme when it starts.