For New Zealand businesses grappling with workforce shortages, particularly in the trades and seasonal sectors, recent government announcements signal a significant and positive shift. The Blokhaus Recruitment team believe these new visa pathways and streamlined immigration rules will directly benefit our clients, making it easier than ever to secure the skilled and dedicated staff you need.

Let’s break it down…

Two New Sector-Specific Work Visas to Bolster Key Industries

Exciting news for clients in agriculture, forestry, and tourism: two new sector-specific work visas will become available for applications in December 2025. This targeted approach by the NZ government recognises the critical role these sectors play in the economy and aims to provide direct relief for your hiring needs. For our clients in construction, industrial maintenance, and seasonal labour markets, these developments promise a much-needed increase in available talent, ensuring your operations can continue to thrive.

You can read more about these changes in this 1News article and interview with the Minister.

Expanded Green List Coverage: A Pathway to Stability for Skilled Trades

Starting August 18, 2025, a crucial expansion to Immigration NZ’s Green List Work-to-Residence pathway will incorporate 10 vital trade occupations:

Metal Fabricator
Pressure Welder
Welder
Fitter (General)
Fitter and Turner
Fitter-Welder
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Panel Beater
Vehicle Painter
Paving Plant Operator

– all foundational to New Zealand’s infrastructure and construction sectors. This change offers a clear and stable route to residency for qualified tradespeople, making New Zealand a more attractive long-term prospect for skilled workers and, in turn, providing your business with invaluable talent stability.

Streamlined immigration rules reduce employer burden

Throughout 2025, New Zealand has been actively simplifying its visa rules to ease the hiring process for employers. Key changes include the removal of wage thresholds for most work visas, a reduction in work experience requirements (from three to two years), extended visa durations for certain lower-skilled roles, and simplified job-check processes for accredited employers. These reforms significantly reduce the administrative burden on your business, enabling a more efficient and streamlined recruitment journey.

A Clear Policy Shift Towards Skilled Trade Migration

The government's refined immigration policy prioritises skilled professionals to address acute labour shortages, shifting away from a previous emphasis on low-skilled migration. This strategic pivot is especially beneficial for trades employers, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of specialised labour while helping maintain regulatory compliance.

How these changes benefit Blokhaus Recruitment clients

These policy adjustments translate into tangible advantages for your business:

Easier Access to Skilled Workers: Faster, more flexible visa pathways mean quicker access to the high-demand trades professionals your projects require.
Longer-Term Stability: The Green List expansion offers a clear path to residency, encouraging skilled tradespeople to commit long-term to New Zealand and, by extension, to your workforce.
Simpler Recruitment: Reduced red tape and streamlined processes mean less administrative hassle and a smoother hiring experience for your accredited business.
Strategic Labour Planning: With visa rules now more closely aligned with industry needs, you can plan your workforce strategies with greater confidence and foresight.

Blokhaus Recruitment is at the forefront of these changes, ready to help your business leverage these new opportunities to secure the best trades and seasonal workers. Contact us today to discuss your recruitment needs and how we can support your growth.