NEW ZEALAND – WAREHOUSE & DISTRIBUTION WORKERS

Position: Warehouse Worker / Storeperson / Picker & Packer / Distribution Worker / General Warehouse Assistant
Employer: To Be Announced (TBA)
Country: New Zealand
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: Entry-Level & Experienced Positions Available
Salary: From NZD $23.95 Gross Per Hour
Working Hours: Full-Time – Minimum 30 Hours Per Week for Applicable AEWV Employment
Accommodation: Provided
Lunch: Provided During Working Days
Overtime / Additional Hours: Available Where Required
Work Visa Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates
Accredited Employer Work Visa Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates

WORK IN A WAREHOUSE IN NEW ZEALAND

Applications are now open for full-time Warehouse and Distribution Worker positions in New Zealand.

These positions are suitable for hardworking, reliable and physically capable individuals interested in working within New Zealand’s warehousing, logistics, distribution, retail supply, manufacturing and fulfilment industries.

Potential positions include:

  • Warehouse Worker
  • Warehouse Assistant
  • Storeperson
  • Order Picker
  • Picker & Packer
  • Packing Worker
  • Distribution Worker
  • Dispatch Assistant
  • Receiving Assistant
  • Stock Handler
  • General Warehouse Worker

Entry-level candidates may be considered for appropriate vacancies where they satisfy employer and New Zealand immigration requirements.

Previous warehouse experience is useful but may not be required for every position.

Training will be provided for workplace procedures and equipment where appropriate.

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

Warehouse and distribution opportunities may be available throughout New Zealand, including:

  • Auckland
  • Hamilton
  • Tauranga
  • Wellington
  • Palmerston North
  • Napier / Hastings
  • Christchurch
  • Nelson
  • Dunedin
  • Invercargill

Additional positions may be available in other industrial and distribution areas.

The final workplace will depend on the employer and available vacancy.

Candidates should be prepared to relocate to the location where employment is offered.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Warehouse Workers help receive, organise, store, pick, pack and dispatch products.

The exact responsibilities will depend on the type of warehouse and employer.

A normal working day may involve:

  • Receiving deliveries
  • Unloading goods
  • Checking products
  • Sorting stock
  • Labelling items
  • Moving products
  • Placing goods into storage
  • Picking customer orders
  • Packing orders
  • Preparing shipments
  • Checking quantities
  • Preparing pallets
  • Loading outgoing goods
  • Maintaining warehouse areas
  • Completing basic warehouse documentation

Employees may perform several different warehouse duties during the same shift.

RECEIVING DELIVERIES

Warehouse Workers may help receive goods arriving from suppliers, factories and distribution centres.

Responsibilities can include:

  • Unloading appropriate goods
  • Checking delivery documentation
  • Counting products
  • Inspecting packaging
  • Checking product codes
  • Identifying damaged goods
  • Reporting missing products
  • Moving products into receiving areas
  • Preparing products for storage

Workers must follow the employer’s receiving procedures.

ORDER PICKING

Order Pickers collect products required for customer or store orders.

Employees may receive picking instructions through:

  • Printed picking lists
  • Handheld scanners
  • Warehouse-management systems
  • Mobile devices
  • Voice-picking equipment

The worker then locates the required product and confirms the correct quantity.

Accuracy is important.

Picking the wrong product can result in delayed deliveries and customer complaints.

PACKING

Packing Workers prepare products for transportation.

Typical responsibilities may include:

  • Selecting appropriate packaging
  • Placing products into boxes
  • Protecting fragile goods
  • Checking quantities
  • Sealing cartons
  • Applying labels
  • Preparing shipping documents
  • Checking addresses
  • Preparing completed orders for dispatch

Workers must follow the employer’s packing standards.

SORTING & LABELLING

Warehouse employees may sort products according to:

  • Product type
  • Customer
  • Destination
  • Size
  • Batch
  • Order number
  • Storage location

Workers may also apply:

  • Product labels
  • Shipping labels
  • Barcodes
  • Identification stickers
  • Destination labels

Attention to detail is important.

STOCK MOVEMENT

Products frequently need to be moved between different areas of a warehouse.

Employees may:

  • Move cartons
  • Move containers
  • Move pallets using approved equipment
  • Transfer products to storage areas
  • Replenish picking locations
  • Move completed orders to dispatch
  • Organise stock

Workers must follow safe manual-handling procedures.

STOCK CONTROL

Some Warehouse Workers may assist with inventory management.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Counting products
  • Checking stock levels
  • Recording quantities
  • Performing stock checks
  • Identifying missing stock
  • Reporting damaged products
  • Checking product locations
  • Assisting with stocktakes

Electronic inventory systems may be used.

DISPATCH

Dispatch Workers prepare completed orders for collection or transportation.

Duties may include:

  • Checking completed orders
  • Confirming quantities
  • Checking shipping labels
  • Organising orders by destination
  • Preparing pallets
  • Moving goods into dispatch areas
  • Checking documentation
  • Coordinating with appropriate drivers or transport staff

Accuracy is essential to ensure products are sent to the correct destination.

LOADING & UNLOADING

Some positions may involve loading and unloading.

Workers may assist with:

  • Delivery vehicles
  • Trucks
  • Containers
  • Pallets
  • Cartons
  • Incoming goods
  • Outgoing shipments

Employees must follow the employer’s safety and manual-handling procedures.

FORKLIFT WORK

Some warehouses use forklifts and other materials-handling equipment.

Forklift duties may include:

  • Moving pallets
  • Loading trucks
  • Unloading trucks
  • Replenishing warehouse locations
  • Moving heavy products
  • Stacking goods

Workers must not operate a forklift or other specialist equipment unless they have received the required training and are appropriately authorised.

Candidates who already have forklift experience should provide this information in their application.

FOOD & COLD-STORAGE WAREHOUSES

Some positions may be available in food distribution or temperature-controlled warehouses.

Employees could work with:

  • Fresh food
  • Frozen food
  • Packaged food
  • Beverages
  • Supermarket products

These facilities may have chilled or frozen working areas.

Appropriate protective clothing will be provided where required.

Workers should be comfortable working in different temperatures.

RETAIL DISTRIBUTION

Retail distribution centres supply shops and customers throughout New Zealand.

Workers may prepare orders containing:

  • Clothing
  • Household products
  • Electronics
  • Consumer goods
  • Supermarket products
  • Hardware
  • Other retail merchandise

These warehouses can process large numbers of orders each day.

E-COMMERCE & FULFILMENT

Some Warehouse Workers may work in online order-fulfilment centres.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Receiving online orders
  • Picking products
  • Packing orders
  • Printing labels
  • Preparing parcels
  • Sorting shipments
  • Processing appropriate returns
  • Preparing goods for courier collection

Employees should be able to work accurately in a fast-moving environment.

GENERAL WAREHOUSE DUTIES

Warehouse Workers may also be asked to:

  • Keep work areas organised
  • Remove packaging waste
  • Prepare boxes
  • Organise supplies
  • Assist colleagues
  • Clean appropriate work areas
  • Report damaged equipment
  • Follow supervisor instructions
  • Maintain clear walkways
  • Support general warehouse operations

Flexibility is important because duties can change according to daily workload.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Warehouse work is active and can be physically demanding.

Candidates should be prepared for:

  • Standing for extended periods
  • Walking throughout the warehouse
  • Bending
  • Reaching
  • Lifting appropriate loads
  • Repetitive movements
  • Packing
  • Moving products
  • Working to productivity targets
  • Working around warehouse equipment

Some warehouses are large facilities requiring employees to walk significant distances during a shift.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Employees must follow all workplace health and safety procedures.

Workers may be required to wear:

  • Safety shoes
  • High-visibility clothing
  • Gloves
  • Protective clothing
  • Other appropriate PPE

Employees must:

  • Follow safety instructions
  • Report hazards
  • Report injuries
  • Use equipment correctly
  • Follow manual-handling procedures
  • Keep emergency routes clear
  • Maintain organised working areas

Only appropriately trained and authorised workers may operate specialist machinery.

SHIFT WORK

Warehouses and distribution centres may operate beyond ordinary daytime business hours.

Depending on the employer, available shifts may include:

Morning Shift

Early-start warehouse operations involving receiving deliveries, picking orders and preparing dispatches.

Day Shift

Normal daytime warehouse operations.

Afternoon / Evening Shift

Order picking, packing and preparation for overnight transportation.

Night Shift

Some large distribution centres operate throughout the night.

Candidates should indicate whether they are willing to work different shifts.

WORKING HOURS

These are full-time positions.

For an applicable Accredited Employer Work Visa position, the job offer must provide at least:

30 Hours Per Week

Many warehouse positions may offer approximately:

40 Hours Per Week

A typical schedule could be approximately:

  • 8 hours per day
  • 5 days per week

However, the actual working pattern depends on the employer and employment agreement.

Weekend work may be required.

The final guaranteed hours will be clearly stated in the employment agreement.

SALARY

New Zealand’s adult minimum wage from 1 April 2026 is:

NZD $23.95 Gross Per Hour

At 40 hours per week, this is approximately:

NZD $958 Gross Per Week

before tax and applicable deductions.

The actual wage may be higher depending on:

  • Employer
  • Position
  • Experience
  • Shift
  • Responsibilities
  • Location
  • Forklift skills
  • Warehouse systems experience

The final hourly wage will be stated in the formal employment offer.

The employee must receive at least the applicable New Zealand legal minimum wage.

OVERTIME & ADDITIONAL HOURS

Additional hours may become available during periods of increased warehouse activity.

This can include:

  • Large deliveries
  • Increased customer orders
  • Stocktakes
  • Major distribution periods
  • Operational requirements

Where additional hours are available, employees may have opportunities to increase their earnings.

Overtime is not guaranteed.

Any additional working hours and applicable payment arrangements will be governed by the employment agreement and New Zealand employment law.

ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED

Accommodation will be arranged for successful employees under the recruitment package.

Depending on location, accommodation may include:

  • Shared apartments
  • Shared houses
  • Worker accommodation
  • Employer-arranged housing
  • Other suitable accommodation

Employees may share:

  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry facilities
  • Living areas

Full accommodation details will be provided before the candidate accepts employment.

Any applicable accommodation costs, utilities or lawful deductions will be clearly disclosed in advance.

LUNCH PROVIDED

Lunch will be provided during scheduled working days according to employer arrangements.

The exact meal arrangement will be explained before employment begins.

NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

Migrant workers have minimum employment rights in New Zealand.

Successful employees should receive a written employment agreement clearly explaining their employment conditions.

This should include information such as:

  • Position
  • Duties
  • Hourly wage
  • Guaranteed hours
  • Workplace
  • Leave
  • Employment conditions

Candidates should carefully review their employment agreement before accepting the position.

ACCREDITED EMPLOYER WORK VISA

International applicants may potentially be employed through New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) where all applicable requirements are satisfied.

For this route, the employer must hold the appropriate Immigration New Zealand accreditation.

The employer must also have the appropriate approved job check for the position.

The employment offered must be genuine and meet applicable New Zealand immigration and employment requirements.

EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS

Before an accredited employer can support an overseas worker, the employer must complete the applicable recruitment and job-check requirements.

Depending on the skill level of the position, this can include:

  • Advertising the vacancy
  • Genuinely attempting to recruit suitable New Zealand workers
  • Engaging with Work and Income where required
  • Obtaining an approved job check
  • Confirming the migrant meets the job requirements

The employer then provides the selected candidate with the information required for the AEWV application.

WAREHOUSE JOBS & IMMIGRATION SKILL LEVEL

“Warehouse Worker” is a broad job title rather than one immigration classification.

Immigration New Zealand assesses the actual:

  • Duties
  • Responsibilities
  • Skills
  • Experience
  • Qualifications
  • Position requirements

to determine the occupation and skill level that best matches the job.

This distinction is important.

A general Warehouse Worker, Storeperson, Forklift Driver or specialist warehouse position may have different immigration requirements.

The employer must use the occupation classification that genuinely reflects the work being performed.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Entry-level candidates may be considered by employers for suitable warehouse positions.

However, an applicant requiring an Accredited Employer Work Visa must also satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.

Candidates may need to provide evidence of:

  • Previous employment
  • Relevant work experience
  • Qualifications where applicable
  • Skills
  • Forklift experience where applicable
  • English-language ability

Requirements depend on the exact occupation and approved job check.

FORKLIFT DRIVERS

Candidates with substantial forklift experience should include this in their application.

Forklift Driver can be treated differently from a general Warehouse Worker for AEWV skill-level purposes where the employer’s job check requires the necessary level of experience or qualification.

Candidates must still satisfy all applicable New Zealand licensing and workplace requirements before operating equipment.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

English-language requirements can apply to AEWV applicants depending on the occupation’s skill level.

As of June 2026, applicants for AEWV jobs at skill levels 3, 4 and 5 generally need to demonstrate that they can speak and understand English.

Where a warehouse position falls within these levels, the candidate may therefore need to provide acceptable evidence of English ability.

The exact requirement will be determined according to the occupation used for the approved job.

WORK VISA ASSISTANCE

Candidates selected by an accredited employer and eligible for the AEWV will receive assistance with the applicable work visa process.

Assistance may include guidance concerning:

  • Employment offer
  • Employment agreement
  • Employer information
  • Job check information
  • Work experience evidence
  • Qualification documents where applicable
  • English-language evidence where required
  • Supporting documents
  • Visa application preparation
  • Pre-departure requirements

Candidates are responsible for providing genuine and accurate documentation.

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

A Warehouse Worker job offer does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a New Zealand work visa.

Eligibility depends on:

  • Employer accreditation
  • Approved job check
  • Genuine vacancy
  • Occupation classification
  • Skill level
  • Wage
  • Guaranteed working hours
  • Applicant’s experience
  • Applicant’s qualifications where required
  • English ability where required
  • Health
  • Character
  • Immigration history
  • Other applicable requirements

The final visa decision is made by Immigration New Zealand.

Neither the employer nor recruitment company can guarantee visa approval.

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

Candidates interested in Warehouse Worker positions should begin by completing the online application form available on this website.

Applicants should provide complete information regarding:

  • Previous employment
  • Warehouse experience
  • Factory experience
  • Packing experience
  • Order-picking experience
  • Forklift experience
  • Logistics experience
  • Education
  • English-language ability
  • Current country of residence

Applicants without previous warehouse experience may still submit an application for appropriate entry-level vacancies.

SHORTLISTING

Applications will be reviewed against available warehouse positions and applicable immigration requirements.

Candidates whose profiles match available vacancies may be shortlisted.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly with information concerning the next stage.

Submitting an application does not mean the applicant has automatically been selected.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in:

  • Online interviews
  • Employer interviews
  • Recruitment assessments
  • Practical assessments where appropriate

Depending on employer and recruitment arrangements, shortlisted candidates may also be invited to attend an interview event in Asia or the United Kingdom.

Applicants should not travel simply because they have submitted an application.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Candidates should not purchase flights, reserve accommodation or make travel arrangements until they have received a formal invitation and confirmed that they are legally eligible to travel to the interview destination.

An application confirmation or shortlist notification should not be treated as permission or instruction to travel.

EMPLOYMENT OFFER

Candidates successfully selected by an employer will receive formal employment information before proceeding with the work visa application.

The employment offer or agreement will normally identify:

  • Employer
  • Job title
  • Warehouse location
  • Hourly wage
  • Guaranteed working hours
  • Shift pattern
  • Duties
  • Employment conditions
  • Accommodation arrangements
  • Meal arrangements
  • Proposed starting date

Candidates should carefully review all employment documentation before accepting the position.

HOW TO APPLY

COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

If you are interested in full-time Warehouse and Distribution employment in New Zealand, complete the application form available on this website.

Provide complete and accurate information about your employment history and skills.

Candidates with previous experience in:

  • Warehousing
  • Order picking
  • Packing
  • Logistics
  • Distribution
  • Forklift operation
  • Manufacturing

should provide full details.

Entry-level applicants may also be considered for appropriate vacancies.

Once you have submitted your application:

PLEASE WAIT TO BE CONTACTED.

Applications will be assessed against available positions and immigration eligibility.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly.

POSITION SUMMARY

Position: Warehouse Worker / Storeperson / Picker & Packer / Distribution Worker
Country: New Zealand
Employment: Full-Time
2026 Adult Minimum Wage: From NZD $23.95 Gross Per Hour
40-Hour Equivalent: Approximately NZD $958 Gross Per Week
AEWV Job Offer: Minimum 30 Hours Per Week
Experience: Entry-Level & Experienced Positions Available
Accommodation: Provided
Lunch: Provided During Working Days
Overtime: Available Where Required
Work Visa Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates
Employer: TBA

APPLY FOR WAREHOUSE WORK IN NEW ZEALAND

If you are hardworking, reliable and interested in working within New Zealand’s warehouse, logistics and distribution industry, submit your application to be considered for available positions.

International applicants will be assessed according to both employer requirements and New Zealand immigration eligibility.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM AND WAIT TO BE CONTACTED IF YOUR APPLICATION IS SHORTLISTED.

Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview, employment, employer accreditation, approved job check or New Zealand work visa. Warehouse positions can fall under different immigration occupation classifications and skill levels according to their actual duties. Final employment is subject to employer selection, a genuine vacancy, formal employment agreement, applicable New Zealand employment requirements, immigration eligibility and approval by Immigration New Zealand.