New Zealand Immediate Skill Shortage List

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The Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) is a list of identified occupations for which there is a shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand.

If an applicant produces an offer of employment in an occupation that is included on the current ISSL the NZIS will accept that no suitably qualified New Zealand citizens or residents are available to fill that position.

The ISSL in only used in relation to temporary work policy. If you come to work in New Zealand based on meeting the ISSL requirements, there is no direct link to residence.

Please understand that while the occupations listed here are part of the ISSL, you will still need to confirm which regions of New Zealand are currently sponsoring applications in each Area of Shortage.

As the ISSL is regularly updated, we advise you click here to check the current NZIS ISSL.

Immediate Skill Shortage List
Area of Shortage	Recommended standard for work permit applications with an offer of employment
Accountant (Chartered - senior positions only) 24111	NZ recognition of qualifications obtained from the Institute of Chartered Accountants and/or completion of the Chartered Accountant examinations AND 3 years experience
Analytical Chemist 21131	Bachelor of Science (Major in Chemistry) AND minimum of 2 years experience in an analytical laboratory
Apiarist 121311	National Certificate in Apiculture Level 3 and at least 2 years relevant experience
Arborist 61134	Trade Certificate AND/OR National Certificate in Horticulture Arboriculture Level 4 AND a minimum of 2 years work experience
Architect 232111	Bachelor of Architecture or equivalent
Architectural Draughtsperson (Civil CAD (Computer Aided Draughting) Designer only)(31181)	Diploma in Civil Engineering OR National Certificate in Civil Engineering Level 6 AND evidence of 5 years on the job draughting experience using CAD in the civil engineering sector
Assistant Farm Manager (Dairy Cattle Farmer) 121313	National Certificate in Agriculture Level 2 AND/OR 3 years experience
Assistant Herd Manager (Beef and Dairy Cattle Farmer) 121312 and 121313	National Certificate Level 2 or above AND/OR 2 or more years experience
Autoglazier 899412	National Certificate in Flat Glass Processing Level 3
Baker 351111	National Certificate in Baking Level 4 AND/OR at least 2 years work experience
Bricklayer 331111	National Certificate in Masonry (Brick and Block laying) Level 3 or equivalent
Boat Builder and Repairer (Yacht Rigger) 399111	National Certificate in Boat Building (Marine Rigging) Level 4 AND/OR 2 years experience
Butcher or Small Goods Maker 74111	National Certificate in Meat Retailing (Curing, Smoking and Small Goods, Carcass Boning and Forecasting, Planning and Production) Level 4
Carpenter (including Builder) 331212	National Certificate in Building and Construction Level 4 AND experience managing at least 2 workers
Chip Sealing, Asphalt or Other Technical Manager (Roading and Infrastructure) 821113	Tertiary qualified or Diploma of Engineering and trained in Staff Management AND 10 years practical experience
Construction Project Managers (Roading and Infrastructure) 133111	Tertiary qualified or Diploma of Engineering and trained in Staff Management AND 10 years experience
Construction Project Managers (Foreman) (Roading and Infrastructure) 133111	A minimum of 5 years experience AND staff management experience AND appropriate drivers licence
Construction Project Managers (Chip Sealing, Asphalt or Other Technical Manager) (Roading and Infrastructure) 133111	Bachelor or Diploma of Engineering or equivalent and Project Management qualification AND a minimum of 5 years experience AND staff management experience
Dental Assistant 51354	2 years work experience
Dental Technician 32262	Diploma in Dental Technology AND NZ registration
Dental Therapist 32221	Bachelor of Health Science specialising in Dental Therapy AND NZ registration
Dentist 22221	Bachelor of Dental Surgery AND NZ registration
Die Cutter Operator 73317	National Certificate in Corrugated and Solid Board Converting (Rotary Die Cutting) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience OR National Certificate in Printing (Paperboard Packaging (Carton)) - Cut and Crease Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Dispensing Optician 32211	OTEN/TAFE Optical Dispensing Certificate IV (Australia) OR FBDO (UK) OR Optical Dispensing Examination approved and registered by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
Drain Layer 84111	National Certificate in Drain Laying Level 4 AND NZ registration
Earthmoving Labourer (Asphalt, Concrete, Chip Sealing and Road Pavement Workers only) 821113	National Certificate in Civil Construction Works - Introductory Skills, National Certificate in Civil Road Construction, AND/OR National Certificate in Civil Road Maintenance AND 3 years experience
Electronic Service Technicians 72421	National Certificate in Electronic Technology Level 4 or equivalent
Engineering Draughtsperson 31191	National Diploma in Engineering or equivalent
Fabric Finishing Specialist/Technologist 82645	National Certificate in Textiles Manufacture (Advanced Operations) Level 3 or equivalent AND/OR 5 years practical work experience with management or technical oversight of fabric manufacturing or finishing
Farm Manager (Dairy, Sheep/ Arable, Beef) 61211	National Certificate in Agriculture Level 4 AND a minimum of 3 years relevant experience
Farm Manager (Pork Industry) 61214	National Certificate in Pork Production Level 4 AND at least 4 years on-farm experience
Fibreglass Tradesperson 81321	National Certificate in Composites Level 4 AND/OR at least 4 years experience in a variety of chopper gun operation, gel coating, lamination, pattern and mould making
Field Crop Grower (Crop Foreman) 121214	National Certificate in Horticulture Production (advanced) Level 4 OR Diploma 1 Horticulture AND 2 or more years experience
Flat Weaving Specialist/Technologist 82622	National Certificate in Textiles Manufacture (Advanced Operations) Level 3 or equivalent AND/OR 5 years practical work experience with management or technical oversight of fabric manufacturing or finishing
Flexographic Printer 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Reel-fed Flexographic) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Flooring Tradesperson 74331	National Certificate in Flooring
Florist (Senior) 52111	Certificate of Floristry or Diploma Level 4 AND minimum of 3 years experience
Folder Operator 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Folder Operator) Level 3 AND 2-5 years experience
Folder Gluer Operator 73317	National Certificate in Corrugated and Solid Board Converting (Flexo Folder Gluer Operator) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience OR National Certificate in Printing (Paperboard Packaging (Carton)): 4 and 6 Corner Gluers Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Foreman (Roading and Infrastructure) 41331	At least 5 years experience in building or maintaining roads AND Staff management experience AND appropriate drivers licence
Furniture Polisher/Finisher 74212	National Certificate in Furniture Finishing Level 4 AND 2 years relevant work experience
Furniture Upholsterer 74321	National Certificate in Furniture (Restoration and Recovery Upholstery) Level 4 AND 2 years relevant work experience
Gasfitter 71231	National Certificate in Plumbing and Gas Fitting AND NZ registration
Glazier 71221	National Certificate in Glazing Level 4
Graphic Artist 33631	Bachelor of Fine Arts (Graphic Design), National Diploma in Design (Graphic) or equivalent AND relevant experience
Hatchery Manager 61231	National Certificate in Agriculture Level 4 AND 3 years relevant experience
Heavy Vehicle Driver 83231	NZ recognised Full Class 5 Driver Licence OR NZQA Unit Standard 17577: Driver Licence Classes Level 4 AND 3 years experience
Herd Manager 61211	National Certificate Level 2 or above AND 2 years experience
Hospitality Supervisor 12265	National Certificate in Hospitality (Operations Supervision) Level 4 AND a minimum of 4 years combined experience in hospitality establishments WITH a minimum of 2 years at supervisory level or higher
Hydrographic Engineer 21481	Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying OR post-graduate training
Hydrographic Technician 31122	New Zealand Certificate in Land Surveying
Instrument Control Technician 21455	National Certificate in Industrial Measurement and Control Level 4
Instrumentation Engineer 21431	Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
IT Specialist 21311, 21312, 21313	Bachelor of Science (Majors in Computer Science or Information Science) AND a minimum of 3 years full-time work experience with at least 12 months work experience in the past 18 months in at least 1 of the specialisations on the Information Technology Skills List.
Jockey 33691	Completed an Apprenticeship under the Rules of Racing in their country of origin and must have clearance from that authority
Land Surveyor 21481	Bachelor of Surveying
Land Surveyors Technician 31122	Bachelor or Diploma of Surveying AND 2 years work experience
Licenced Cadastral Surveyor 21481	Bachelor of Surveying or equivalent AND 2 years work experience AND NZ licence
Line Mechanic/ Linesperson 82923	National Certificate in Electricity Supply AND NZ registration
Marine Cabinet Maker 74211	National Certificate in Furniture Trades (Furniture Making) Level 4
Marine Designer 21452	Bachelor of Engineering: Mechanical or equivalent technical qualifications AND/OR experienced
Marine Engineer 31411	Marine Engineer's Certificate or trade certificate AND/OR experienced
Marine Laminator 82323	National Certificate in Composites Level 4 AND/OR at least 2 years work experience
Medical Doctors [excluding first year resident medical officers] 22211-22217	Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery AND NZ registration
Medical Physicist 21111	Masters degree in Medical Physics
Medical Photographer [Health Services] 31311	Relevant Bachelors degree and/or post graduate degree AND work experience
Microbiologist 22122	Bachelor of Science in Microbiology AND 2 years' experience in a laboratory
Montessori Teacher 23321	Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) AND registration required for primary school teachers
Motor Mechanic (Automotive Technician) 321211	National Certificate in Motor Industry Level 4
Optometrist 22261	Optometry Qualification Certificate and registered by the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
Orchard Foreman 61121	National Certificate in Horticulture Production (endorsed in Fruit or Vegetables) at Level 4 OR Diploma 1 Horticulture AND 2 or more years experience
Osteopath 32233	Masters degree in Osteopathy AND NZ registration
Panel Beater 72125	National Certificate in Motor Industry (Panel beating) Level 4
Perfect Binder 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Print Finishing) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Pharmacy Technician [Hospital] 32251	National Certificate in Pharmacy (Technician) with strands in Hospital and Community
Pig Farm Manager 61214	National Certificate in Herd Management Level 4 AND 2 years experience
Plastics Engineer 82322	NZCE or equivalent AND 3 years experience
Plastics Die Setter 82111	National Certificate in Plastics Technology or Plastics Procession Level 3 AND 2 years experience
Plastics Technician 82322	National Certificate in Plastics Processing or Plastics Technology Level 4 OR Diploma Level 5 AND 3 years experience
Post Doctoral Fellows 23111	PhD or Masters degree
Power Systems Engineer 21431	Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical
Print Finisher 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Print Finishing) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Product Assembler (Aluminium Joiner) 84118	National Certificate in Architecture Aluminium Joinery Level 3 AND/OR a minimum of 2 years work experience
Program or Project Administrator (Building Control Officials) (Inspectors) 511112	National Certificate or Diploma in Building, Architecture, Carpentry or Construction Management AND 2 years experience
Quantity Surveyor 31121	Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying) AND minimum of 3 years post-graduation work experience
Radio Frequency Technician 31143	Technicians Certificate (Telecommunications) and New Zealand Certificate in Engineering: Telecommunications
Refrigeration Mechanic 72314	National Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Level 4 AND NZ registration
Roading Machine Operator 91512	National Certificate in Civil Plant Operation and drivers licence with the Wheels, Tracks and Rollers Endorsement AND 3 years experience
Roofing Supervisor 84117	National Certificate in Roofing Level 4 AND proof of 5 years experience in a roofing supervisory role
Roofing Tradesperson 84117	National Certificate in Roofing Level 4 OR proof of minimum of 3 years experience in a specific field of roofing
Scaffolder 84114	National Certificate in Advanced Scaffolding Level 4
Screen Printer 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Screen Printing) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Senior Shepherd/Stock Manager 61261	National Certificate in Agriculture Level 4 AND 3 years experience
Senior Stockperson (Pork Industry) 61214	National Certificate in Pork Production (Herd Management) Level 4 AND at least 3 years on-farm experience
Sewing Machine Technician (Industrial) 72311	National Certificate in Clothing Manufacture (Mechanic) Level 3 and Level 4
Sheet-fed Offset Printer 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Sheet-fed Offset) Level 4 AND 2-5 years working on a multi-colour press
Sheet Metal Worker 72122	National Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Light) Level 4
Shepherd 61261	National Certificate in Agriculture level 2 or above AND/OR minimum of 1 years experience
Shearer [Wool Harvester] 61262	3 or more seasons experience
Sheep Scanner [Seasonal] 61263	Minimum of 5 years' experience as a Sheep Scanner
Ski and Snowboard Instructors [Seasonal] 33692	PSIA (USA) or CSIA (Canada) Level 1 or, NZSIA (Stage 1) or equivalent internationally recognised qualification
Ski and Snowboard Technicians [Seasonal] 33692	Minimum of 2 seasons experience working in a ski/snowboard repair workshop
Skydive Instructor 33692	Diploma of Skydiving Level 5 or equivalent (commercial) AND Tandem Instructor Rating AND a minimum of 1000 jumps
Skydive Tandem Master 33692	Diploma of Skydiving Level 5 or equivalent (commercial) AND a Tandem Master Rating AND a minimum of 1000 jumps
Sommelier 51232	Master Sommelier Diploma
Specialist (Petroleum Industry) 21461	Bachelor of Engineering, with majors in energy engineering AND/OR chemical engineering or relevant work experience
Stallion Master 61265	Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience
Stitcher Operator 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Print Finishing) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Stud Groom [Seasonal] 61265	Minimum of 1 years experience as a stud groom AND at least 1 years yearling preparation experience
Stock/ Herd Manager (Pork Industry) 61214	National Certificate in Pork Production - Level 4 AND at least 3 years on-farm experience
Telecommunication Engineer/ Technician 31141	Technicians Certificate (Telecommunications) AND New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Telecommunications)
Trackwork Rider 61265	Completed an Apprenticeship under the Rules of Racing or have worked for at least 2 years
Traffic Planner 21426	Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and/or postgraduate training
Travel Consultant (Senior) 33141	National Certificate in Travel and Tourism Level 4 AND minimum of 4 years experience
Turkey Breeder Farm Manager 61231	National Certificate in Poultry Hatchery Operations Level 3 AND 3 years relevant experience
Turkey Farm Manager 61231	National Certificate in Poultry Hatchery Operations Level 3 AND 3 years relevant experience
Web-offset Printer 73317	National Certificate in Printing (Reel-fed Offset) Level 4 AND 2-5 years experience
Winemaker [Viticulturist/ Specialist Positions - not pickers] 61122	Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology AND/OR a minimum of 3 years' work experience
Yacht Rigger 71123	National Certificate in Boat Building (Marine Rigging) Level 4 AND/OR a minimum of 2 years' work experience

Qualifications gained outside New Zealand must be comparable to the qualifications listed.

A recommended standard of qualifications, and/or experience is specified for each occupation. Should an applicant not meet the recommended standard then the NZIS officer must be satisfied that the applicant is suitably qualified by training and experience to do the job they have been offered. This does not apply where the recommended standard is mandatory, in these instances the applicant must hold the stipulated qualifications and experience.

Central North Island includes Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui, Hawke's Bay, and Gisborne.

Occupations listed on the New Zealand Long Term Skill Shortage List (formerly called the POL) are considered to be in shortage on all regions of the New Zealand Immediate Skill Shortage List (formerly called the OSL).

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