In 2025, for programsImmigration to New ZealandIt's been a pivotal year for those in New Zealand. The New Zealand Government continues to promote a "skills-based"immigrantsThe policy encourages the settlement of skilled personnel who can genuinely add value to the local community and economy.

Whether you're an IT engineer, a nurse, a teacher, or an international student considering your future career path.Knowing the latest industry needs and immigration policies is the key to taking the first step towards success.

In this post, we'll talk about official data, industry trends, and local employer feedback.Which careers are most sought after in 2025 and which jobs are turning cold.

I. Where are the opportunities when policies change?

From 2023 onwards, New Zealand'sskilled migrantThe system is gradually shifting from a "degree-first" to a "skills-oriented" system, a trend that will become more pronounced from 2025 onwards:

• Practical work experience and background in shortage industries are key points in the immigration scoring system

• Non-Auckland employment with extra points or priority approval

• Some occupations, such as registered nurses, civil engineers, software developers, etc., are directly included in fast-track processing

This means that the future success of getting a visaIt's no longer about how well educated you are, but whether you have the "competencies that are most in demand in New Zealand right now".

II. The six most sought-after career fields in 2025

combiningNew Zealand immigrationThe Bureau's updated Green List of skills, industry hiring trends and local human resources data show that the following six areas will be most in demand in 2025:

1. IT and digital technologies

The thirst for software engineers, data analysts, and cybersecurity talents among local tech companies, financial enterprises, and startup teams in New Zealand is only increasing. Especially in the direction of AI, big data, cloud computing, programmers with more than two years of practical experience are very sought after in the job market.

Representative posts: Software Development Engineer, Data Analyst, DevOps Engineer
Annual salary range: NZD 90,000-140,000
Immigration Advantages: Shortage Occupations, Fast Track Approval

2. Engineering and construction industry

New Zealand has a long-term problem of infrastructure maintenance and housing shortage, and the government continues to increase construction investment. Talents with experience in building construction management, structural design, and civil engineering will find it relatively easy to find a job and get a status.

Representative posts: Project engineers, architects, construction supervisors
Annual salary range: NZD 80,000-120,000
special hint: South Island cities such as Christchurch and Dunedin are more desperate for engineering talent.

3. Medical care and health services

New Zealand is experiencing "rapid ageing" and with the impact of the epidemic, the healthcare system is always understaffed. In particular, there is a shortage of registered nurses, radiographers and geriatric specialists.

Representative posts: Registered nurses, mental health counselors, dental technicians
Annual salary range: NZD 70,000-100,000
Immigration Highlights: More jobs on the Green List, faster application paths, and work visas for spouses

4. Educational personnel, especially in the STEM direction

There is a chronic shortage of primary and secondary school teachers, especially in math, science and ESOL English, and it is almost a "war for talent" in New Zealand. Many schools are willing to sponsor qualified overseas teachers.

Representative posts: Secondary School Math Teachers, Science Teachers, English as a Second Language (ESOL) Teachers
Annual salary range: NZD 65,000-90,000
entry requirement: Required to be registered as a teacher in New Zealand, and it is recommended to prepare the relevant certification in advance.

5. Regional tourism and hospitality talent

New Zealand's tourism industry rebounded strongly in 2024 and is expected to continue expanding in 2025. Hotels, attractions, and tour operators in popular cities such as Queenstown, Rotorua, and Taupo are hiring heavily.

Representative posts: Hotel Manager, Travel Consultant, Food and Beverage Supervisor
Annual salary range: NZD 55,000-80,000
proposed direction: More points added to immigration scores by choosing regional job opportunities

6. Agricultural and food processing technicians

New Zealand is a major agricultural exporter, but local young people are reluctant to work in the primary sector, giving a window of opportunity for experienced overseas skilled personnel.

Representative posts: Dairy Processing Technician, Fruit and Vegetable Growing Specialist, Farm Machinery Technician
Annual salary range: NZD 50,000-75,000
entry threshold: some positions can be fast-tracked through vocational training

Third, these industries, more and more "cold"

Not all occupations are suitable for migration through the skilled route. The following professions, although popular in China, are saturated with local demand in New Zealand and are becoming more difficult to apply for each year:

• Civilian positions in the administrative and assistant categories: e.g. Personnel Officer, Office Assistant, preference will be given to local graduates and little consideration will be given to overseas applicants;

• Traditional marketing positions: such as market planning and public relations positions, where non-local backgrounds are difficult to integrate and there are fewer opportunities for immigration;

• Junior finance positions: e.g. cashier, assistant accountant, competition is keen and local experience is required to stand a chance;

  

• Mass Design Position: e.g. graphic designers, junior UI design, etc. Supply and demand are saturated, and only those with innovative styles or crossover skills will stand out.

IV. Practical advice: how to choose the most secure career direction?

1. Priority is given to positions on the shortage occupations list
   The Green List, issued by the Immigration Department every year, is your reference point.

2. Finding a "path to transformation" in your own context
   Examples include marketing background to UX design, liberal arts to education, and electronics to data analytics.

3. Geographic strategy is equally important
   If you are willing to settle in the South Island or in a non-major city, you can get more policy points.

4. Early Acquisition of Certification and Language Preparation
   Healthcare and education positions require local vocational qualifications and should be planned and prepared for in advance.

Conclusion: Choose the right career and you'll be halfway there!

In 2025, New Zealand continues to welcome highly skilled and experienced migrants with a desire to integrate into the local community. Today's policy is more pragmatic than in the past, emphasizing real ability and job matching.

If you can pick a direction, plan a path, and get down to business.Immigration to New Zealand, is no longer a distant dream.