Are you a skilled Tailor looking for a career opportunity abroad, Skilled tailors are in high demand in New Zealand. The country offers exciting opportunities for foreign professionals with visa sponsorship options.
Whether you specialize in bespoke designs or alterations, this could be your chance to turn your talent into a thriving career while experiencing New Zealand’s vibrant culture.
This guide covers the eligibility for tailoring jobs in New Zealand, highlights top textile businesses and clothing brands offering visa sponsorship, and provides application links to get you started today.
Eligibility and Requirements for Tailoring Jobs in New Zealand as a Foreigners
Here are the eligibility criteria and requirements:
- Qualifications: A formal certification in tailoring, fashion design, or a related field is often preferred, but extensive hands-on experience can be equally valuable.
- Experience: At least 2-3 years of professional experience in tailoring, alterations, or garment construction is typically required.
- Skills: Proficiency in sewing, pattern-making, fabric cutting, and using industrial sewing machines; excellent attention to detail and creativity.
- Language Proficiency: A good command of English to communicate with clients and colleagues effectively.
- Work Visa Requirements: Eligibility for a work visa through employer sponsorship, including meeting health and character standards as outlined by New Zealand immigration authorities.
- Portfolio: A well-documented portfolio showcasing previous tailoring projects and skills.
- Employer-Specific Needs: Willingness to meet unique employer demands, such as specialization in custom designs or experience with specific fabric types.
How to Find and Apply for Tailoring Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Here are the steps to find and apply for tailor jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship as a foreigner:
Step 1: Research the Job Market
Begin by exploring job opportunities for tailors in New Zealand. Use platforms like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Indeed New Zealand, and filter for listings that mention visa sponsorship.
Recruitment agencies specializing in skilled trades can connect you with potential employers, while official New Zealand immigration websites can provide details about accredited employers and skill shortages in the tailoring industry.
Step 2: Prepare Your Resume and Portfolio
Create a professional resume highlighting your tailoring skills, such as garment alterations, custom fittings, and fabric design. Include significant achievements like handling large projects or working with high-profile clients.
Complement this with a portfolio featuring high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of your work, showcasing a variety of styles to demonstrate your versatility.
Step 3: Network with Industry Professionals
Networking is essential to finding job opportunities. Use LinkedIn to connect with tailoring professionals, fashion brands, and companies in New Zealand.
Join online forums, industry-specific groups, and tailoring communities to gain insights and discover leads. Participating in virtual or in-person fashion events, trade shows, or expos can also help you meet potential employers.
Step 4: Apply Strategically
When applying for jobs, tailor your cover letter to match the specific requirements of each position.
Highlight your skills, relevant experience, and enthusiasm for relocating to New Zealand. Ensure you follow all application instructions, such as submitting your portfolio or completing assessments.
Follow up with employers after applying to express continued interest and inquire about application status.
Step 5: Secure a Job Offer with Sponsorship
Once shortlisted, prepare for interviews by showcasing your experience, expertise, and familiarity with tailoring trends in New Zealand. Be ready for practical assessments or trial tasks to demonstrate your skills.
Once you secure a job offer, confirm that the employer provides visa sponsorship and proceed with the necessary documentation.
Step 6: Apply for a Work Visa
With a job offer in hand, begin your work visa application. Submit documentation such as the job offer letter, proof of sponsorship, and evidence of meeting health and character requirements. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a common option for tailoring roles.
Step 7: Plan Your Relocation
Research housing options near your workplace and seek relocation assistance from your employer if needed.
Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s workplace culture, employment rights, and legal requirements. Make travel arrangements, ensuring your passport, visa, and other necessary documents are in order.
Step 8: Start Your Career in New Zealand
After arriving, attend workplace orientation sessions to understand company policies and procedures. Explore opportunities to upgrade your skills through additional training or certifications.
Build relationships with local tailors and industry professionals to expand your network and settle successfully into New Zealand’s dynamic tailoring industry.
Top Textile Businesses and Clothing Brands Offering Tailoring Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Here’s an overview of some of the top companies:
Hallenstein Brothers
A prominent men’s fashion retailer in New Zealand, Hallenstein Brothers often seeks experienced tailors for their in-house operations. Their work involves alterations and custom garment creation, catering to their upscale customer base.
While they don’t always explicitly offer visa sponsorship in every listing, they are open to hiring foreign workers with specialized tailoring skills.
Applicants with relevant experience can apply through New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category for consideration.
You can find current opportunities on their Careers Page.
Max Fashion
Max Fashion is a well-known women’s fashion brand in New Zealand. They require skilled tailors for garment alterations, repairs, and design assistance in their retail stores.
While direct visa sponsorship is not commonly advertised, Max Fashion does consider foreign workers with the right qualifications, particularly those with prior tailoring or alteration experience.
You can apply directly through the Max Careers Page.
AS Colour
Known for its high-quality basics and custom apparel, AS Colour frequently hires tailors for roles in production, quality control, and sample development.
They offer visa sponsorship opportunities for workers with high-demand skills, especially those with experience in garment fitting, fabric treatment, and pattern making.
You can check their career page for job listings and inquire about visa sponsorship options.
Moochi Clothing
Moochi is a prominent women’s fashion retailer known for its stylish, contemporary designs. They frequently require skilled tailors and garment workers for their production and design processes.
Moochi often offers visa sponsorship for international candidates who bring relevant experience in garment construction, pattern making, or alterations.
Foreign workers can apply directly via their careers page.
The Fabric Store
This New Zealand-based fabric retailer is well-known for high-quality fabrics and also offers job opportunities for skilled workers in sewing, tailoring, and textile design.
The Fabric Store is open to hiring international workers and typically provides visa sponsorship for those with expertise in textile design or garment construction.
For job applications and more information, You can visit their careers page.
Kilt Company
Specializing in Scottish attire, particularly custom kilts and accessories, Kilt Company is another example of a business in New Zealand that hires skilled tailors.
They offer custom-made clothing for individuals and are willing to sponsor foreign workers who have experience in traditional tailoring or garment construction.
You can find job listings and more information on how to apply through their careers page.
Barkers
Specializing in high-end men’s fashion, Barkers is a New Zealand brand that values craftsmanship in tailoring. They frequently recruit skilled tailors and often offer visa sponsorship for foreign professionals in this field.
Applicants with expertise in custom garment creation, pattern making, or alterations are encouraged to apply.
You can check their careers page for openings.
The Average Salary for Tailoring Jobs in New Zealand
National Average Salary
- Hourly Rate: Tailors generally earn between NZD 24 to NZD 35 per hour, depending on their expertise and location.
- Annual Salary: The average annual salary for a tailor in New Zealand is around NZD 50,000. This can increase significantly with experience or specialization.
By Experience Level
- Entry-Level Tailor (Less than 2 years): Tailors with minimal experience can expect to earn about NZD 45,000 annually. This may include basic tailoring or alteration work.
- Mid-Career Tailor (3-5 years of experience): With a few years of experience, salaries can range from NZD 50,000 to NZD 60,000 annually. Mid-career professionals often handle a wider range of tasks, from basic alterations to more complex tailoring.
- Experienced Tailor (Over 5 years of experience): Highly skilled tailors, especially those with advanced expertise in custom designs or working with high-end textiles, can earn NZD 60,000 to NZD 70,000+ per year.
By Industry Division (Private vs Public)
- Private Sector: The private sector, especially high-end fashion brands and bespoke tailoring services, generally offers higher salaries ranging from NZD 55,000 to NZD 75,000 annually, depending on the company’s size and reputation.
- Public Sector (Government or Nonprofit): Tailors working for government organizations or in education (such as teaching tailoring skills) may earn slightly less, with salaries ranging from NZD 45,000 to NZD 55,000, depending on the role and location.
Benefits of Tailoring Jobs in New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship
Work and Live in a Beautiful Country
Career Growth and Skill Development
Competitive Salary and Benefits
Job Security and Visa Sponsorship
Opportunity for Permanent Residency
High Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance
Access to Health and Social Services
Exposure to Diverse Work Environments
Cultural Exchange and Networking Opportunities
Family Sponsorship and Relocation Benefits
New Zealand offers generous relocation packages for skilled workers, which may include help with accommodation, settling-in services, and covering part of your travel expenses.
