New Zealand’s hospitality and culinary industry is growing quickly in 2025, offering great opportunities for foreigners to work as kitchen staff with visa sponsorship. From high-end restaurants in Auckland to cafés in Queenstown and Wellington, employers are actively looking for skilled kitchen workers to fill labor shortages. This guide covers job details, requirements, salaries, benefits, and the application process for kitchen staff jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship 2025.
Job Details
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Job Title: Kitchen Staff (Various Roles)
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Location: Nationwide, New Zealand
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Job Type: Full-Time
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Visa Sponsorship: Yes (for eligible candidates)
Requirements for Kitchen Staff Jobs in New Zealand 2025
To qualify for visa sponsorship, applicants must meet certain criteria:
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Minimum of 3 years of professional kitchen or hospitality experience, or a relevant culinary qualification
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English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or higher recommended)
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Clean medical and criminal background checks
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Employer must prove no suitable local candidate is available before hiring a foreigner
Available Kitchen Roles in New Zealand
There are many different kitchen jobs available in New Zealand in 2025 with visa sponsorship, including:
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Kitchen Hand/Dishwasher – Cleaning dishes, utensils, and equipment
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Line Cook – Preparing meals under the chef’s supervision
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Baker – Making fresh bread, pastries, and baked products
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Pastry Chef – Specializing in desserts, cakes, and pastry creations
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Kitchen Assistant – Assisting chefs with food prep, cleaning, and organizing the kitchen
Key Responsibilities of Kitchen Staff
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Food preparation and cooking support
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Maintaining hygiene and food safety standards
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Labeling and storing ingredients correctly
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Helping the team during busy kitchen operations
Duties of Kitchen Staff
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Washing and sanitizing dishes and kitchen equipment
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Cleaning work areas and organizing storage spaces
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Ensuring freshness of ingredients by proper refrigeration
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Working as part of a team with chefs and other staff
Expected Salary in 2025
Kitchen staff salaries vary depending on role and experience:
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Kitchen Hand/Dishwasher: NZD $22–$25 per hour
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Line Cook: NZD $24–$30 per hour
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Pastry Chef: NZD $30–$40 per hour
Benefits of Kitchen Staff Jobs in New Zealand
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Legal work authorization under Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
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Easy entry-level access to the hospitality industry
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Stable job demand in hotels, restaurants, and cafés
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Fair wages with overtime pay during busy seasons
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Pathway to permanent residency for qualified workers
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Work-life balance and strong employee protections
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Career growth opportunities to become a chef or supervisor
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Simplified visa process if hired by an accredited employer
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Family sponsorship options under certain visa categories
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Exposure to multicultural teams and cuisines
How to Apply for Kitchen Staff Jobs in New Zealand 2025
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Prepare a professional CV highlighting your hospitality experience
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Apply for jobs through trusted portals such as:
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Seek.co.nz
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WorkHere
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TradeMe Jobs
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Choose employers accredited to sponsor foreign workers
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Once hired, apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) through New Zealand Immigration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can foreigners apply for kitchen staff jobs in New Zealand?
Yes, many employers in New Zealand hire and sponsor foreign workers for kitchen staff positions under the Accredited Employer Work Visa program.
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The AEWV allows skilled and unskilled foreign workers to work legally in New Zealand for accredited employers. Kitchen staff roles may qualify if there is a labor shortage.
What are kitchen staff jobs in New Zealand?
Kitchen staff roles include kitchen hands, dishwashers, line cooks, bakers, and pastry chefs. Their main tasks are food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting chefs in daily kitchen operations.