New Zealand is a great place for skilled workers looking for jobs that will support their visas. Forklift operator jobs will be some of the most sought after in 2025, as the needs in logistics, production, and storage grow.
New Zealand gets a lot of foreign workers every year because it has good wages and a friendly place to work. Forklift drivers can find plenty of work in New Zealand, where the job market is strong and pay is high. There are also chances to move up in their careers. Here are some of the best reasons to think about becoming a forklift operator in New Zealand.
People from other countries can apply for certain work visas to work as forklift operators in New Zealand. Because there is a lot of work in this field, some companies are willing to sponsor skilled workers. These are the main types of visas for people who drive forklifts.
Details of Forklift Operator Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
| Country | New Zealand |
| Work Location | Various |
| Jobs Title | Forklift Driver |
| Jobs Type | Permanent Full-time |
| Gender | Male // Female |
| Visa Sponsorship | Yes |
| Education | High School / Secondary / Bachelor’s degree |
| License Required | Yes |
| Language | English |
| Experience | 1 year to less than 2 years |
| Eligible Country | Any Nationality |
| Salary | Average Salary $27 Per Hour |
Why Choose Forklift Operator Jobs in New Zealand?
- High Demand for Skills: Because the warehouse and transportation industries are growing, people with good forklift skills are in high demand.
- Good Salaries: Wages that are competitive make sure that everyone gets paid fairly, even new employees.
- Visa Sponsorship Options: Many businesses in New Zealand are ready to hire skilled foreign workers.
- High-Quality Work Environment: New Zealand puts the safety and job happiness of its workers first.
Read Also: Driver Jobs in New Zealand for Foreigners Visa Sponsorship
Typical Responsibilities of a Forklift Operator
Loading and Unloading:
- Move heavy items onto and off of cars, pallets, and storage shelves, making sure that the items are handled quickly and safely.
Inventory Management:
- Arrange and store items correctly in the storeroom, and keep accurate records of where and how much stock there is.
Maintaining Equipment:
- Make sure that forklifts and other machines are safe and working by checking and maintaining them on a daily basis.
Order Picking:
- Gather the goods that customers have ordered and get them ready to be shipped or dispatched, making sure that the orders are filled correctly.
Adhering to Safety Protocols:
- To keep the workplace safe, follow the rules and guidelines for safety, such as how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe working practices.
Salary Expectations
- Entry-Level: NZ$45,000 – NZ$50,000 per year
- Experienced Operators: NZ$50,000 – NZ$60,000 per year
- Senior or Specialized Operators: NZ$60,000+ per year
Requirements
Proof of Citizenship:
- Provide proof of citizenship from an eligible country.
Valid Job Offer:
- Get a valid job offer from a New Zealand company that you can trust.
Age Requirements:
- Who can apply? They have to be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or up to 35, depending on their home country).
Sufficient Funds:
- Show that you have enough money to cover your costs of living in New Zealand.
Relevant Skills and Certifications:
- Show proof of the necessary skills and credentials, like a license to drive a truck.
Work Experience:
- Show that you have the right skills and work experience to drive a forklift or work in a related area.
English Language Proficiency:
- Show that you can speak and write English well by showing results from accepted tests (like the IELTS or TOEFL) or other acceptable proof.
Employer Sponsorship:
- Get a job offer from a company in New Zealand that will sponsor your visa application.
Benefits
Stable Income:
- The pay for forklift operators is reasonable, so they can count on a steady stream of income to cover their living costs.
Career Progression:
- There are chances to move up into higher positions, like warehouse manager or logistics coordinator, which helps people improve professionally in the field.
Safe Working Conditions:
- New Zealand puts a lot of importance on worker safety and health, which makes the country a safe place for forklift operators.
Work-Life Balance:
- Forklift drivers usually have set hours, and they often get the weekends off. This allows them to have a good work-life balance and time for personal interests.
Visa Requirement
For foreigners interested in forklift operator jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship, the following visa requirements and conditions generally apply:
1. Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship
- Valid employment offer: You must first obtain a valid employment offer from a New Zealand business in order to apply for a work visa for a position operating a forklift in New Zealand. To apply for a work visa, you must have this job offer.
- Employer’s sponsorship role: The New Zealand employer could have to help with the visa application. Depending on the situation, they might also have to demonstrate that no residents or citizens of New Zealand are available for the job, which might entail submitting a job check or filing for a Labour market test.
- Employer-Specific Work Visa: Depending on the employer and the particular job position, you would normally apply for either a Temporary Work Visa or an Essential Skills Work Visa for the forklift operator post.
2. Visa Types for Forklift Operator Jobs
- The Essential Skills Work Visa is the most popular visa for foreign workers with the necessary skills, such as forklift operators. Applicants who have a job offer in New Zealand in a field considered vital to the nation’s workforce are granted this visa.
- Temporary Work Visa: This visa, which permits you to work for your company for a maximum of 12 months (subject to extension), may be appropriate if you are traveling for a temporary job or to cover a brief gap.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): You can qualify for the AEWV if your New Zealand employer has received accreditation from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Employers can hire overseas labor more quickly and easily this way.
3. Qualifications and Experience
- Forklift Certification: You need a current Forklift Operator License (F Endorsement) in order to operate a forklift in New Zealand. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) grants this endorsement, and obtaining it requires completing particular training and passing a practical exam.
- Work Experience: Candidates usually need to have previous forklift operating experience in order to get hired. The job qualifications often demand a few years of experience in a similar function.
- Health and Safety: In order to operate a forklift safely, load and unload cargo, and adhere to safety procedures, forklift operators need to be well-versed in workplace health and safety procedures.
How to Apply
Conclusion
New Zealand’s forklift operator jobs are a great chance for skilled workers looking for work and a way to get a work visa. New Zealand is a great place for forklift drivers who want to move up in their careers because it has a strong job market, fair wages, and a strong commitment to worker safety.
There is a high demand for skilled operators in the country’s growing logistics and transportation sectors. This is a good time to look into these possibilities. If you want to start a new job or move up in your current one, becoming a forklift operator in New Zealand can be a stable and rewarding path.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the average salary for forklift operators in New Zealand?
Forklift workers make an average of NZ$45,000 to NZ$60,000 a year, but this depends on their experience and specialization. Entry-level jobs start at about NZ$45,000 a year.
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What are the qualifications required for a forklift operator in New Zealand?
To work as a forklift driver in New Zealand, you generally need a high school diploma or something similar, one to two years of relevant work experience, and a valid forklift license. Also, being able to speak and write English well is required.
