Before 10 March 2025, some industries had sector agreements with the government. These let employers hire AEWV workers at less than the median wage, which was then NZ$29.66 an hour (the February 2023 rate). Hospitality had a similar temporary wage exemption.
All of these ended on 10 March 2025. They were no longer needed, because the AEWV stopped using the median wage at the same time. Every AEWV job now has to pay at least the market rate for the role. See AEWV wage rules.
Three things from the old agreements still matter, though.
Which Sectors Had Agreements
| Sector | Status since 10 March 2025 |
|---|---|
| Care workforce | Agreement ended. Residence pathway continues (see below). |
| Transport | Agreement ended. Residence pathway continues (see below). |
| Meat processing | Agreement ended. Some jobs keep a minimum skill exemption. |
| Seafood processing (onshore) | Agreement ended. Some jobs keep a minimum skill exemption. |
| Construction and infrastructure | Agreement ended. |
| Seasonal snow and adventure tourism | Agreement ended. |
| Tourism and hospitality (wage exemption) | Exemption ended. Some jobs keep a minimum skill exemption. |
1. Minimum Skill Exemptions That Still Apply
AEWV applicants normally need to show they meet minimum skill requirements, such as a level 4 qualification or relevant work experience. Some jobs that were part of these arrangements are still exempt from providing that evidence:
- the meat processing sector agreement
- the seafood processing sector agreement
- the care workforce sector agreement
- the tourism and hospitality wage exemption
INZ publishes the list of exempt jobs ("AEWV jobs that were part of a sector agreement or wage exemption"). Check that your exact job is on it before relying on the exemption.
2. Care Workforce Pathway to Residence
Care workers can apply for the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa after 24 months of work in an eligible care job within the last 30 months, paid at least NZ$28.25 an hour throughout. You must be 55 or younger and have a care job or offer with an accredited employer. Full details, including eligible jobs and how skill levels affect your family, are in our care and support worker visa guide.
3. Transport Pathway to Residence
The Transport Work to Residence Visa remains for eligible transport jobs. Workers need 24 months in the sector within the last 30 months, paid at least the median wage in place when their work experience started. Bus drivers have their own rate.
Some roles were removed from the eligible transport list on 7 April 2024. Bus drivers who applied for their visa on or before 6 April 2024, and were approved, can continue gaining work experience for this visa if they've been paid at least NZ$28.00 an hour. See our transport and logistics visa guide.
Residence Pay Rules for Former Sector Agreement Workers
Unless an exception like the care or transport rates applies, AEWV workers who want to count work experience toward residence must generally be paid at least:
- the median wage that applied when their visa application was accepted, and
- the current median wage when they apply for residence.
The median wage is NZ$35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026. See the median wage explained.
The RSE Scheme Is Separate
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme for horticulture and viticulture was never a sector agreement, and it continues under its own rules. Workers, mainly from Pacific countries, come for set seasons and return home. Employers need RSE status, not AEWV accreditation. See our RSE scheme guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
I was hired under a sector agreement before March 2025. Is my visa still valid?
Yes. Ending the agreements didn't cancel existing visas. Your next application, such as a new AEWV, a Job Change or residence, is assessed under the current rules.
Can my employer still pay me less than the median wage?
For the AEWV itself, yes, if the pay meets the market rate for the job and the minimum wage. Pay below the median may still limit whether you can bring your partner and whether your work counts toward residence.
Does the sector agreement still affect my partner's visa?
INZ still refers to care workforce and transport sector jobs when deciding whether an AEWV holder in a skill level 4 or 5 job can support a partner. They need at least NZ$28 an hour or the sector rate, whichever is higher. See partnership work visas.
Moving from an old sector agreement to the current rules can be confusing. Get matched with a licensed immigration adviser to check what applies to your job.
Source: Immigration New Zealand, "Sector agreements and wage exemptions for AEWV workers" and the work to residence wage rates page, checked 7 October 2026.