Overview

• Under the Skilled Work Experience pathway, applicants in ANZSCO Level 1–3 roles must earn at least 1.1 times the median wage and show five years of relevant work history, including two years in New Zealand.
• The Trades and Technician pathway will cover specified ANZSCO Level 1–3 roles paid at or above the median wage and requires a Level 4+ qualification plus four years’ experience, including 18 months in New Zealand.
• Officials say detailed occupation lists and any extra eligibility restrictions will be published before the pathways open, with implementation slated for mid-2026.
• Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford say the settings are designed to help employers retain experienced workers and plug workforce gaps.
• Coalition partner New Zealand First has formally dissented, with leader Winston Peters warning of a potential ‘stepping stone to Australia,’ as business groups welcome the change and infrastructure advocates urge an earlier start date.