On Your Behalf: Flexibility in Recruiting an International Seasonal Workforce

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) recognise the benefits of recruiting skilled and experienced international seasonal workers, and replaced the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) from December 2025. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) data shared with New Zealand Winegrowers shows there were 359 SPWV, six GWSV and 12 PSV approved for the wine industry ahead of vintage 2026, for winemakers and winery cellar hands.

Both of the new visas require employers to be registered as an Accredited Employer. INZ has recently released videos on their website (immigration.govt.nz) to explain application procedures and give hints and tips on Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) processes. NZW held webinars with INZ to explain these changes and enable members to ask questions directly. You can find the Q&A from these webinars on the NZW member website (nzwine.com/members). NZW will hold a webinar in late June to review vintage 2026 recruitment and share information with members on preparing for vintage 2027. You can stay updated with Immigration changes by subscribing to Immigration updates on the INZ website.

Updates to National Occupation List

NZW worked with Statistics New Zealand to add two new roles to the National Occupation List: senior winery cellar hand (Skill level 3) and wine laboratory technician (Skill level 2). The recognition of these two roles creates added flexibility for recruitment for the wine industry through the AEWV scheme.

Opportunities to Employ New Zealanders

We know that our employers are looking for options to employ New Zealanders first, so we asked the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to update us on the current opportunities. Regional Commissioner Craig Churchill says there are a significant number of job seekers with suitable skills and experience ready now for horticulture and viticulture work. “We’ve got reasonably high unemployment levels and in the current labour market environment there are many New Zealanders who are work-ready and looking for jobs. Seasonal work is a great opportunity for job seekers to get into or stay connected to their local workforce.”

In addition to already-skilled horticulture and viticulture workers, MSD also has a wide range of products and services employers can apply for to help with training or job placement support, ensuring the workers they take on will have the skills required to do the job. If employers want more information on MSD’s employment products and services, they should contact their local MSD service centre or regional office to be connected with a specialist
work broker.

RSE Policy Review Underway

Following the Minister of Immigration’s commitment to review the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy at the RSE Conference in 2025, the RSE Policy Review is underway. NZW is closely involved with the review, including engaging with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Policy Team to help them understand the importance of the scheme to our industry. This includes working collaboratively with horticulture industry bodies to identify priorities and positions. Following a survey of RSE employers, the three priorities for the review are a suitable transport cost recovery methodology, ensuring RSE policy alignment and consistency, and implementing workable accommodation settings.

MBIE’s team visited regions to meet with RSE Employers and industry representatives in March and early April, to share potential options and seek feedback. There was also an opportunity for RSE employers and key stakeholders to provide written feedback. NZW’s written submission will be available on the submissions page of the NZW member website.

The outcome of the review will be announced at the RSE Conference in July this year. NZW will keep members updated on any implications for the wine industry.

Nicola Crennan is NZW External Relations Manager