Jobs in New Zealand for Indians

New Zealand offers various job opportunities for Indian students with competitive salaries. These jobs offer high salaries and great opportunities for growth and development.  

The average salary in New Zealand is around INR 45.7L (NZD 89,000) annually. The cost of living in New Zealand is also relatively lower than in other developed countries, which makes it an attractive destination for Indian students seeking job opportunities abroad. 

Here's a table of the top 10 highest paying jobs in New Zealand for Indians:

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location, experience, recruiters and currency exchange rates.

The best way to start your career in New Zealand is to study there! NZ is more affordable than most study destinations and has a solid education system. Learn more about studying in New Zealand.

While top executive positions offer the highest salaries, the most popular jobs in New Zealand are those with the greatest number of vacancies across various industries.

The following table highlights the top 10 most popular and frequently recruited jobs in New Zealand for 2025-2026, along with their competitive starting salaries.

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location, experience, recruiters and currency exchange rates.

This table provides a clear and concise overview of the most promising career paths in New Zealand for skilled professionals from India. The selection of roles is based on New Zealand's official skill shortage lists and analysis of job market trends, ensuring the information is both relevant and valuable.

New Zealand's robust economy and focus on work-life balance make it a prime destination for skilled professionals from India. Whether you're moving on a work visa, as a dependent, or for studies, securing a part-time job that leverages your skills can significantly boost your income and professional experience.

High-Demand Part-Time Jobs for Skilled Professionals in New Zealand (2025-2026)

Here are the top 10 part-time job opportunities that skilled professionals can explore in New Zealand.

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location, experience, recruiters and currency exchange rates.

The job list focuses on roles that value professional expertise, offering higher pay and better career alignment than general entry-level positions. The salaries provided are estimated pro-rata annual figures for a standard 20-hour part-time work week, which is a common limit for many visa types.

For skilled Indian professionals planning their career trajectory for 2025-2026, New Zealand is emerging as a top destination for remote work. The country's robust economy, focus on work-life balance, and high demand for specific skills have created a surge in location-independent roles. These work-from-home opportunities not only offer competitive international salaries but also provide a pathway to global career advancement without the immediate need for relocation.

Here is a breakdown of the most in-demand remote jobs for skilled professionals, with estimated starting salaries.

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location, experience, recruiters and currency exchange rates.

These remote New Zealand occupations in 2025–2026 are quite advantageous for skilled Indians.  They provide access to a market with rapid growth, give competitive pay in a strong currency, and are in line with India's extensive talent pool in engineering, finance, and technology.  This gives Indians a strategic route to substantial financial gain and global professional advancement.

Dreaming of a career in New Zealand, with a renowned work-life balance? For Indian professionals in 2025-2026, this dream is more achievable than ever, but it requires a strategic and informed approach. The key to success lies in understanding New Zealand's evolving job market and its specific immigration pathways, particularly the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system.

Here are the essential steps you need to follow to turn your New Zealand career goals into reality.

1. Strategic Self-Assessment & Market Research: Before you begin, you must verify if your skills are in demand.

• Check the Green List: This is the most crucial first step. The New Zealand government maintains a 'Green List' of highly sought-after occupations. If your role is on this list, you have a more straightforward pathway to residence.
• Research Skill Shortage Lists: Beyond the Green List, explore the specific skill shortage lists (like the Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List) to understand where the immediate demands are.
• Analyse the Labour Market: Use official resources like Stats NZ and MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) to see which industries are growing.

2. Prepare Your "Kiwi-Style" Application Documents: Your Indian resume will need a makeover.

• CV Optimisation: Create a concise, 2-page CV that focuses on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Remove personal details like photos, marital status, and date of birth.
• Customised Cover Letter: Write a unique cover letter for each application, directly addressing the employer's needs and showing you have researched their company.

3. Get Your Qualifications Assessed (If Required):

For many professions, you will need a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) assessment to prove your Indian qualifications are equivalent to New Zealand standards. This is a non-negotiable step for many visa applications.

4. Targeted Job Search on the Right Platforms: Your job hunt must be focused.

• Official Accredited Employer List: Only employers accredited by Immigration New Zealand can hire migrants on an AEWV. Search for jobs directly with these companies.
• Leading NZ Job Portals: Focus on popular New Zealand job sites like Seek.co.nz and Trade Me Jobs.
• LinkedIn: Optimise your LinkedIn profile for the New Zealand market and connect with recruiters and companies in your target industry.

5. Secure a Job Offer from an Accredited Employer: This is the cornerstone of your visa application. You cannot apply for a work visa without a valid job offer from an accredited employer who has completed a Job Check.

6. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Application: Once you have the job offer, your employer will provide you with the necessary details to apply for your AEWV through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) online portal. Ensure all information is accurate and supported by evidence. This is the primary work visa pathway for 2025-2026.

Now that you know the best occupations in New Zealand for Indians, you must also think about the income gap in the nation before choosing.  The city in which you work has a big impact on the average salary in New Zealand.

The biggest city in New Zealand, Auckland, for instance, has the best opportunities for employment and highest wages.

But these cities also have comparatively greater living expenses than other cities around the nation.  Conversely, smaller cities with lower costs of living, such as Dunedin and Christchurch, offer lower earnings.

Here's a table summarising the average salaries in the top cities in New Zealand for Indians:

Note: All these salaries are approximate and may vary by employer, experience and currency exchange rate.

New Zealand offers a range of job opportunities for Indian students across various sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare. Many leading companies are known for hiring international talent, making it easier for students to find employment in their chosen fields.

Additionally, the Recruitment Sector Awards New Zealand (RSANZ) recognises top performers in the industry, highlighting agencies with a history of winning awards in your target industry. 

Here are the top 10 companies in New Zealand where Indians can find great career opportunities:

Note: The salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary by location, experience, recruiters and currency exchange rates.

As the table shows, the biggest opportunities for Indian professionals are concentrated in a few key sectors facing skill shortages in New Zealand.

• Information Technology (IT): NZ's tech sector is booming. Companies like Datacom and Xero are constantly searching for developers, cloud specialists, and cybersecurity experts.
• Engineering & Construction: Massive infrastructure projects fuel the demand for civil, structural, and project engineers. Fletcher Building and Downer are two of the largest players in this space.
• Healthcare: New Zealand has a critical need for registered nurses, doctors, and aged care workers. Te Whatu Ora (the national health service) is the largest employer in this sector.

How to Start Your Application Process?

• Update Your CV: Tailor your resume to the New Zealand format, which is typically 2-3 pages and focuses on achievements rather than just responsibilities.
• Search on Job Portals: The most popular job sites in New Zealand are Seek.co.nz and LinkedIn. Use these platforms to search for roles at the companies listed above.
• Check the INZ Website: Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website to verify a company's accreditation and understand the specific requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).