Working legally in New Zealand
If you are not a New Zealand citizen or do not have New Zealand residency, you must have a valid work permit or work visa to be employed in horticulture and viticulture work in New Zealand.
Seasonal work permits and visas:
The following work permits apply to short-term, seasonal work only - not permanent or long-term positions or career occupations.
- Working Holiday Scheme (WHS)
- Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE)
- Variation of Conditions (VOC)
- Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE).
Before you can work in New Zealand you'll also need:
- A bank account
- An understanding of your employment rights and responsibilities
- An IRD number - PickNZ Regional Coordinators can arrange this for you
- A Tax Code Declaration (IR330) from your employer.

Work permits
Working Holiday Sceme (WHS)
Earn yourself a holiday! New Zealand has agreements with 31 countries...
+ Read more
Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE)
The SSE policy allows visitors currently in New Zealand to work for Supplementary Seasonal Employer scheme (SSE) employers...
+ Read more
Variation of Conditions (VOC)
Visitors already in New Zealand can apply for a 'variation of conditions' to take up seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture industries...
+ Read more
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE)
Employers with RSE status bring groups of temporary workers from overseas to work for up to seven months of the year...
+ Read more