New Zealand First promises to scrap Accredited Employer Working Visa for shortage-led scheme

What happened

New Zealand First has announced it will scrap the Accredited Employer Working Visa and replace it with a "shortage-led" Skilled Work Visa if re-elected. Entry would depend on an occupation, region and demonstrated need, rather than an employer gaining accreditation. The party argues the current system has become a general recruitment channel for jobs with little connection to genuine skills shortages. Under the new scheme, employers seeking migrant workers for routine roles would have to prove they made serious efforts to employ or train New Zealanders first. The party cited New Zealand's 171,000 unemployed people and 13.8% underutilisation rate, saying skilled migrants should only fill gaps New Zealanders cannot reasonably fill. The policy also includes ending routine retail access, applying a New Zealand worker safeguard, restoring a wage floor, and strengthening employer accreditation. The announcement was made at a public meeting in Dunedin.

Why it matters

New Zealand First announced 14 immigration policies on 11 September 2026, including a visa cap referendum and stricter citizenship rules. The party also demanded control of the immigration portfolio in the next coalition government. This detailed skilled work visa policy represents a further development of those earlier proposals, setting out specifically how the party would reshape the work visa system if elected.

Follow the whole thread: NZ First 2026 immigration policy

Key facts

• 171,000 unemployed people in New Zealand
• 13.8% underutilisation rate
• Accredited Employer Working Visa to be replaced
• Policy targets routine roles, retail access, and wage floors

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