Primary Industry Jobs
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About the Primary Industry Sector in New Zealand
Primary industries in New Zealand are a broad mix of small businesses and larger enterprises which produce, process and move more goods around New Zealand and export to more countries across the globe than ever before. New Zealand’s primary industries generate billions of dollars each year in exports.
Primary industries of importance to New Zealand include:
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Agriculture – Dairy and Meat & Wool
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Forestry
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Horticulture – including viticulture
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Seafood – including aquaculture and fishing
People rely on primary industries and these industries are affected by some of the world's most pressing problems, such as:
Biosecurity risks
Animal welfare
Food safety
Effects of climate change
People working in primary industries help feed, shelter, and clothe the world. Primary Industries have always been important to New Zealand, and now generate over $36 billion a year in exports. New Zealand primary industry exports reached $38.1 billion in the year ended June 2017, an increase of 2.4% over the previous year.
The Ministry for Primary Industries manages and regulates the above industries as well as three systems that are very important to this sector: biosecurity, animal welfare, and food safety.
Non-renewable natural resources such as coal, oil, gas and minerals like gold and iron are also primary industries in New Zealand but these are managed by a different government agency known as New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals.
New Zealand’s primary sectors continue to be the predominant source of wealth generation for the country, dominating our exports and technology development.
While the primary sectors’ productivity has continuously outperformed New Zealand’s wider economy, there are considerable job opportunities for participants to improve their skills, products and profitability.
The Job Marketplace in Primary Industry
A broad range of employment opportunities exist in this sector. From policy and regulation to more vocational endeavours, this industry requires a large talent pool.
Some areas within the industry are:
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Analysing hydrology data
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Scanning pregnant animals
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Caring for and rearing animals
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Fruit and vegetable production
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Seed technologist
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Landscaper
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Growing and selling flowers
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Maintaining parks and cemeteries
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Planting
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Looking after or measuring trees
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Sawmill, kiln, or treatment operator
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Yard supervisor
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Saw doctor
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Energy centre operator
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Paper maker or pulp mill operator
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Machinist
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Warehouse person
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Machines and equipment operator or servicer
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Wood panels manufacturer
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Project or research engineer
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Operations or site manager
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Consultant/adviser
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Heavy vehicle driver
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Processing food or seafood
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Dairy farming
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Monitoring factory environments
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Supervising factory operations
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Managing a team
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Supply chain logistics
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Transport
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Export and storage
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Providing policy advice to government
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Research worker or scientist
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Supply chain analyst
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Aquaculture diver
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Marine farm worker
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Deckhand
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Vessel manager or marine engineer
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Seafood retailer or wholesaler
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Turf laying
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Maintenance
Featured Jobs
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Mining Service Person - Relocate to Aussie!
City:
Australia
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
About the Role:
This entry-level Service Person role is your chance to get a foot in the door with one of Australia’s leading open-cut mining operations. You’ll support maintenance teams, learn on the job, and gain valuable experience in a large-scale mining environment.
What you’ll be doing:
Supporting maintenance crews with refuelling, servicing, and basic inspections
Assisting heavy equipment teams and operating light vehicles
Working safely on site with strong team support
What you’ll
Mechanical Fitter Mining Role - Relocate to Aussie!
City:
Australia
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
What you’ll be doing:
Fitting, assembling, and repairing heavy mining machinery and plant
Supporting maintenance teams to ensure equipment is safe and operational
Working safely across a large-scale site with a strong team
What you’ll need:
Previous experience as a mechanical fitter or in heavy machinery maintenance
Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Fit, reliable, and safety-conscious
Full clean driver ’s license
Valid NZ/AUS Work Rights
The Offer:
7 days on, 7 days off (1
Auto Electrician - Relocate to Aussie!
City:
Australia
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
What you’ll be doing:
Installing, maintaining, and repairing vehicle electronics, including CANBUS systems, radios, lights, and trackers
Ensuring vehicles meet safety and operational standards
Working safely alongside a supportive maintenance team
What you’ll need:
Trade-qualified Auto Electrician
Experience with modern vehicle electronics
Fit, reliable, and safety-conscious
Full clean driver’s license
Valid NZ/AUS Work Rights
The Offer:
7 days on, 7 days off (12.5-hour shifts, day/ni
Fitter Maintainer – Relocate to Aussie!
City:
Australia
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
What you’ll be doing:
Maintaining and repairing heavy mining machinery, including trucks, dozers, and excavators
Supporting maintenance teams to ensure equipment is safe and operational
Working safely across a large-scale site with a strong team
What you’ll need:
Previous experience as a fitter or in heavy machinery maintenance
Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Fit, reliable, and safety-conscious
Full clean driver’s licence
Valid NZ/AUS Work Rights
The Offer:
7 days on, 7