Horticulture and Viticulture Industries Seasonal Work Permit (SWP) Policy extended to 30 September 2007.

The Minister of Immigration agreed on 14 September 2006 to extend the current Seasonal Work Permit (SWP) Pilot policy until 30 September 2007. 

This pilot policy, introduced in December 2005, aims to provide the horticulture and viticulture industries with access to foreign labour from onshore, to supplement their New Zealand labour force at times of high seasonal demand. 

Under the extended SWP policy:

• Holders of current SWPs may be granted a new SWP extending their total time working in New Zealand on a SWP for a period not exceeding 9 months in any 12 month period.
• Applicants who do not currently hold a SWP may be granted a SWP for a period not exceeding 6 months in any 12 month period. 
• Applicants from countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter New Zealand must be on a valid temporary permit when they apply for a SWP.
• Applicants from countries whose citizens require visas to enter New Zealand must have been lawfully in New Zealand on 15 September 2006, and continued to be lawfully in New Zealand up until the date of application for a SWP.
• No SWP will be granted for a period beyond 30 September 2007.

As with the current policy, permits will only be granted for work in regions where the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has declared an absolute labour shortage.  Presently the MSD has declared shortages in:

• Marlborough*
• Central Otago
• Western Bay of Plenty. 

This list of regions may change, depending on the employment situation within each region throughout the course of the season.  Any changes will be posted here, in the 'Latest News' section, and on the Seasonal Work Permit pages.

A set of questions and answers on the Seasonal Work Permit policy pilot is available.

*Please note: Effective 28 September 2006, regions declared by MSD to have a shortage are:

• Central Otago
• Western Bay of Plenty.