“Agriculture was the first occupation of man, and as it embraces the whole earth, it is the foundation of all other industries.”
The farming sector produces a vast number of horticultural, dairy, and meat products consumed locally and overseas. New Zealand is one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products as well as sheep meat. Increasing exports usually result in growing employment. As a result, the agriculture industry provides job opportunities for thousands of New Zealanders.
New Zealand is the world’s 12th largest agricultural exporter by value. Agriculture and forestry are among New Zealand’s powerhouse industries. With immense scope in this sector, one needs to learn to produce high-value food products. Technological Innovation has improved the productivity of work to serve the new markets and needs. It has jobs for both technical and knowledgeable personnel.
New Zealand’s primary sectors are facing significant workforce challenges. So, skilled workers are particularly in demand.
Agriculture in the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, including processing and commercialisation activities. It accounts for 11 per cent of the GDP and 15 per cent of the employment rate.
Two NZ universities are ranked in the top 100 for agriculture and forestry in the QS World University Rankings, proving how much they value the primary sector. Students have unbeatable opportunities to gain hands-on experience on farms and research centres and through case studies, field trips and tours.
You can spend time outdoors, in close contact with nature, and further your studies with educational options right through to in-depth research at the Masters level. In addition, working while studying can be an excellent way to gain New Zealand work experience and help you while studying abroad.
Student visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their programme of study. Masters by research or PhD students may work full-time throughout their studies. You can study up to three consecutive programmes over five years on a single Pathway Student Visa.
Gone are the days when careers in agriculture only meant toiling under the sun while waiting for your crops to grow. Nowadays, the field has advanced in so many ways that numerous opportunities have sprouted over time, giving young people plenty of options to pick from.
Pastoral farming aka livestock farming, is huge in New Zealand. It is aimed at producing livestock rather than growing crops. It includes dairy cattle farming, sheep farming, pig farming, beef farming, poultry farming etc.
The two important components of New Zealand agriculture are beef and dairy cattle. Dairy farms are found throughout the country.
After pastoral farming, the next most important type of farming is horticulture the growing of fruits and vegetables. New Zealand’s climate is suitable for growing fruits like kiwifruit, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries etc. Grape growing, especially for the production of wine is an important part of the horticulture industry.
There are many jobs one can choose from:
The roles mentioned above are also included in the Skills Shortage lists.
‘Agritech‘ is a potential up-and-coming sector.
Agricultural technology aka agritech has played a significant role in shaping New Zealand’s economic history and is responsible for increasing productivity, quality and sustainability of production and supply in New Zealand. Improvement in technology helps with effective land use.
The New Zealand Government is giving priority to the Agritech sector due to the commercial, environmental and export potential.
Agritech has the following benefits-
Check out these job-search websites. They might help to get you thinking about industries you may not have considered.
As you can see, the agricultural sector in New Zealand has various options to choose from. Come to New Zealand to learn more about the agricultural sector and develop a career in this stream.
What are you waiting for?
Contact Immigration Adviser New Zealand Ltd at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219 to know about the eligibility criteria and list of universities/institutes offering courses in the Agricultural sector.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.