New Zealand Launches Two New Seasonal Visa Pathways to Support Workforce Demand

Auckland, August 2025 – In a significant move to bolster seasonal industries, New Zealand’s government has announced two targeted visa pathways—Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)—to take effect from 8 December 2025. These visas are introduced under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework and aim to streamline access to temporary labor while safeguarding local job markets.

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Why These Visas Matter

New Zealand’s agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and food processing sectors face persistent labor shortages during peak seasons. These new visa categories allow accredited employers to recruit foreign workers more efficiently, supporting production cycles tied to seasonal demand The Economic TimesThe Beehivebusinessnz.org.nz. The initiative replaces the interim Specific Purpose Work Visa and complements the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme businessnz.org.nz.

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Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV): Skilled Seasonal Workers

Duration & Renewal Terms

• Valid for up to 3 years.

• Visa holders must remain outside New Zealand for at least 3 months per year 

Eligibility

• Must have completed at least three seasons of relevant work in the past six years 

• No requirement for a Labour Market Test or proof of English-language proficiency 

• Holders can transition to other visa types if they meet eligibility 

Typical Roles Covered

Positions include but are not limited to:

• Agricultural and horticultural machine operators

• Sheep or animal pregnancy scanners

• Snow sports instructors, groomers, and chairlift operators

• Outdoor adventure guides, glacier guides, rafting instructors

• Winemakers and senior cellar hands

• Shearers, slaughterers, and primary product inspectors 

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV): Entry-Level & Lower-Skilled Seasonal Work

Duration & Renewal Terms

• Valid for up to 7 months.

• Applicants must stay outside New Zealand for at least 4 months before reapplying 

Eligibility

• Requires at least one season of relevant work experience in the past three years

• No English requirement, but comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for stays longer than three months 

• Employers must be endorsed by or engage with the Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income) to ensure New Zealanders are prioritized

Typical Roles Covered

These roles include:

• Mussel or oyster farm workers

• Calf rearers and relief milkers

• Forestry workers

• Meat boners, slicers, processing workers

• Seafood processing staff

• Entry-level winery cellar hands

• Wool handlers 

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Restrictions & Common Conditions

• Neither visa supports partner or dependent sponsorship 

• Changing employers is permitted only within the same visa category 

• Applicants shifting from student or other work visas will retain interim work rights while their seasonal visa is processed

• These visas are not intended as pathways to permanent residency; they are strictly for meeting genuine seasonal demand

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What Industry Leaders Are Saying

BusinessNZ has warmly welcomed the visas, citing them as a practical response that reduces red tape and supports workforce continuity in critical seasonal industries such as winemaking, meat processing, and snow sports. Executive Katherine Rich noted that easing repeat visa applications enhances planning efficiency and regional growth.

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Summary Table: GWSV vs. PSV

Feature	GWSV (Global Workforce)	PSV (Peak Seasonal)
Duration	Up to 3 years	Up to 7 months
Outside NZ Requirement	≥ 3 months/year	≥ 4 months before reapplying
Experience Required	≥ 3 seasons (last 6 years)	≥ 1 season (last 3 years)
Labour Market Test	Not required	Not required (employer must engage with Work and Income)
English Required?	No	No
Health Insurance	Not specified	Required if stay >3 months
Dependent Sponsorship	Not allowed	Not allowed
Employer Requirements	Accredited employer + job check	Employer endorsement required

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Final Thoughts

Starting 8 December 2025, New Zealand is implementing two smart and flexible visa pathways—Global Workforce Seasonal Visa for skilled seasonal specialists and Peak Seasonal Visa for entry-level roles—to meet seasonal labor demands efficiently. With minimal bureaucratic hurdles and clear eligibility conditions, they aim to aid vital industries while maintaining commitments to local employment and immigration integrity.