New Zealand’s culinary industry is thriving, making 2025 a promising year for skilled kitchen professionals seeking international experience. From high-end restaurants in Auckland to boutique cafés in Queenstown, the demand for trained kitchen staff is growing—especially those eligible for visa sponsorship.
Details:
- Job Title: Kitchen Staff (Various Roles)
- Location: New Zealand (Nationwide)
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Visa Sponsorship Available: Yes (subject to qualification)
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Receptionist Jobs in New Zealand
Requirements:
To qualify for visa sponsorship:
- Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience, or a relevant culinary qualification.
- Proficiency in English (IELTS score of 5.5 or higher recommended).
- A clean background check and medical examination.
- Employers must prove there are no suitable local candidates before sponsoring foreign workers (per New Zealand Immigration guidelines).
Roles:
Many kinds of kitchen roles with visa sponsorship opportunities are available in New Zealand, where the culinary scene is flourishing in 2025.
- Dishwasher: The dishwasher position is also highly sought after. Line chefs are accountable for the preparation and cooking of the dishes specified on the menu.
- Bakers: The opportunity to become a pastry chef is highly desirable for bakeries.
- Pastry chefs: Pastry chefs are renowned for their ability to create exquisite desserts, pastries, and bread, which they use to showcase their artistic abilities and precision.
- Kitchen assistant: An additional position is available: a kitchen assistant is responsible for assisting chefs in the kitchen by performing tasks such as meal preparation, washing, and tidying.
Key Responsibilities:
- Food preparation and cooking under chef supervision.
- Ensuring kitchen hygiene and food safety standards.
- Storing ingredients properly and labeling perishables.
- Supporting team operations in a high-pressure environment.
Duties:
- The culinary personnel is accountable for the cleaning and organization of the kitchen.
- Additionally, they are responsible for the sanitization of surfaces and the washing of dishes.
- Maintaining the freshness of ingredients by storing them in the refrigerator.
- Teamwork and communication skills are essential in the culinary team, as you will collaborate with the chefs, stewards, and other kitchen personnel.
Expected Salary:
Kitchen staff salaries vary by role, region, and experience:
- Line Cook: NZD $24–$30/hour
- Dishwasher/Kitchen Hand: NZD $22–$25/hour
- Pastry Chef: NZD $30–$40/hour
Benefits:
1. Legal Work Authorization
Visa sponsorship ensures you can work legally in New Zealand under a recognized visa category (e.g., Accredited Employer Work Visa).
2. Entry-Level Access to the Hospitality Industry
Kitchen staff roles are often entry-level, offering an easy way to enter the growing food and hospitality sector in New Zealand.
3. Steady Job Demand
There’s a consistent need for kitchen hands, cooks, and other food service workers, especially in cities and tourist-heavy regions.
4. Competitive Wages & Overtime Opportunities
While starting pay is modest, New Zealand offers fair minimum wages, meal benefits, and overtime pay for longer shifts or holidays.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many kitchen staff roles are on the Green List or part of long-term skills shortage lists, offering a pathway to residency after gaining local experience.
6. Work-Life Balance
New Zealand is known for its work-life balance, relaxed pace, and worker protections, making it a healthier place to live and work.
7. Opportunities for Career Growth
Kitchen staff can move up to cook, chef, kitchen supervisor, or restaurant manager roles with experience and training.
8. Supportive Visa Policies for Accredited Employers
If you’re hired by an accredited employer, the visa process is more streamlined, and some employers cover visa-related costs.
9. Family Sponsorship Possibilities
Depending on your visa type, you may be able to bring your spouse and children, who can also work or study in New Zealand.
10. Experience International Culture
Working in New Zealand kitchens means exposure to multicultural teams, global cuisines, and a diverse workplace environment.
How to Apply for Visa Sponsorship Kitchen Staff Jobs in New Zealand 2025?
- Prepare your resume (CV) highlighting culinary experience.
- Apply via New Zealand job portals like:
- Choose employers listed as accredited sponsors.
- After receiving a job offer, apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa through New Zealand Immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can foreigners apply for kitchen staff jobs in New Zealand?
Yes, many employers in New Zealand sponsor foreign workers for kitchen staff roles, especially through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.
What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
The AEWV is a work visa that allows skilled and unskilled foreign workers to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer. Kitchen staff positions may qualify if there’s a labor shortage.
What are kitchen staff jobs in New Zealand?
Kitchen staff roles include kitchen hands, dishwashers, food preparation assistants, and junior cooks. These workers support chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning, and maintaining kitchen hygiene.
