Two business professionals discussing workforce strategy using a tablet and clipboard. Learn how the latest AEWV reforms impact hiring and workforce planning.

How AEWV reforms impact your workforce strategy & preparation

ByCameron Gray

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Contents: 

From 10 March 2025, significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme will take effect, impacting how businesses hire and retain migrant workers. If your workforce includes AEWV holders—or if you plan to recruit internationally—these changes may affect your hiring strategy, job check processes, and long-term workforce planning.

Here’s what employers need to know based on official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) guidance.

Hiring under the AEWV: What’s changing?

Several key reforms will influence how employers recruit and manage migrant workers:

1. No more median wage requirement for AEWV holders

  • Employers are no longer required to pay AEWV holders at or above the median wage.
  • Instead, wages must meet at least the New Zealand minimum wage (NZD $23.15 per hour, increasing to NZD $23.50 per hour from 1 April 2025).
  • Pay rates must still be aligned with the market rate for the job and location.

This change allows more flexibility in setting pay rates, but employers must still ensure compliance with fair wage standards.

2. Sector agreements are ending

  • All sector agreements that provided median wage exemptions will be removed.
  • Sector agreements offering residence pathways will remain unchanged (wage requirements for residence visas are not affected).
  • Jobs previously covered by sector agreements will now follow standard AEWV rules, meaning no more industry-specific visa caps or restrictions.

If your business previously relied on a sector agreement for hiring migrants, now is the time to review your workforce strategy under the new framework.

3. Job check process updates

  • Employers hiring for ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles must still engage with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD)—but the process is changing.
  • Instead of submitting an Engagement Check report, employers must now declare they have:
  • Advertised the role with MSD.
  • Interviewed any candidates who may be suitable.
  • Employers must keep records of this process in case INZ requests proof.

This update aims to simplify the job check process, but employers must still demonstrate good faith recruitment efforts.

4. Some roles are now classified as higher skill levels

From 10 March 2025, certain jobs will be upgraded from ANZSCO skill level 4 to skill level 3, including:

  • Cook
  • Nanny
  • Scaffolder
  • Fitness instructor
  • Pet groomer
  • Kennel hand
  • Slaughterer

Four additional roles may also be treated as skill level 3 if they require a Level 4 qualification or three years of work experience:

  • Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator
  • Excavator operator
  • Forklift driver
  • Mobile plant operator (not elsewhere classified)

This could affect advertising requirements and job check processing for these roles.

Workforce planning: What should employers do next?

Review your pay structures

  • Ensure all migrant worker wages meet at least the market rate.
  • If you were previously paying at or above the median wage due to AEWV rules, assess whether adjustments are needed under the new system.

Update recruitment and compliance processes

  • If you hire for ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 roles, ensure your MSD engagement process is aligned with the new declaration-based system.
  • Track changes to skill level classifications, as this affects job check requirements.

Consider visa durations in workforce planning

  • AEWV holders in ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 roles will now be eligible for three-year work visas (instead of shorter durations).
  • Longer visa lengths may reduce renewal cycles and recruitment costs.

Need help adjusting your hiring strategy?

With these AEWV changes, it’s important for employers to stay ahead of compliance requirements and plan strategically. Reviewing your workforce needs now can help you navigate these updates smoothly.

📞 Book a workforce or growth strategy session to discuss how these changes impact your business.

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