From Financialexpress · Sunil Dhawan · · 1m 20s
New Zealand First plans to scrap AEWV
New Zealand First proposes replacing AEWV with skills-based work visa to address shortages.
In brief
New Zealand First proposes replacing AEWV with skills-based work visa to address shortages. New Zealand First will scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa requiring proof of genuine skills shortages. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
New Zealand First proposes visa change
New Zealand First plans to scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa.
Current system criticized as farce
The party called the current system a "farce" and announced the plan on October 11, 2026.
“farce”
Visa tied to skills shortages
Entry would be tied to a named occupation, region, and demonstrated need, not merely to an employer getting accredited.
Targeted impact on retail jobs
Migrant workers in routine jobs, particularly retail, would be hit first as employers must prove they cannot hire or train local workers.
171,000 unemployed and 13.8% underutilisation
The party points to about 171,000 unemployed people and an underutilisation rate of 13.8%.
New rules require proof of local hiring
Employers seeking migrant workers for routine roles must show a serious effort to hire or train New Zealanders.
What happens next
The proposed changes could make it harder for migrant workers to get routine jobs, particularly in retail.
The big picture
New Zealand First will scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa requiring proof of genuine skills shortages.
