The case for hiring from the Philippines in NZ’s hardest-to-fill trades
With ten key trades added to New Zealand’s Green List from August 2025, now is a good time to consider what makes Filipino workers such a strong option for employers looking to hire offshore.
A new opportunity for businesses hiring in the trades
On 13 June 2025, the Government confirmed that ten trades roles will be added to the Green List’s Work to Residence pathway. From 18 August 2025, eligible offshore workers will be able to apply for residence after two years of skilled work in New Zealand, provided they meet the job, wage, and experience requirements.
The roles are:
- Metal Fabricator
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Pressure Welder
- Welder
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Paving Plant Operator
This is a practical change. It gives employers more confidence to recruit skilled offshore workers for trades roles that remain difficult to fill locally. It also rewards those who invest in workers who stay and contribute over time.
Why the Philippines is a smart place to start
When employers turn to offshore recruitment, they need more than just skills on paper. They need people who can adapt quickly, fit into the team, and deliver consistently. That’s why the Philippines has become a first choice for many New Zealand businesses.
Filipino tradespeople are known for being hardworking, practical, and respectful in the workplace. Many speak good English, which helps with safety and communication from day one. Most have prior international experience, making them confident in new environments and quick to settle.
Recruit NZ has placed Filipino workers in roles across construction, manufacturing, logistics, and heavy industry. The results are consistent: employers report higher reliability, better retention, and a noticeable improvement in team morale.
As Jonny Wilkinson from ProClad put it, “I have five guys now and multiple sites. Every now and then I’ll just tell them where to go, and then they’ll just go do their job.”
More than skilled: Filipino workers are reliable, loyal, and easy to work with
What sets Filipino workers apart is their attitude. Employers describe them as loyal, focused, and happy to contribute.
At Beattys, Jonathan Brodie explained, “They come to work every day. They want to do their work. They want to please, and they’re very reliable.”
That consistency adds real value. It reduces downtime, lowers turnover, and gives teams more stability. It also creates a more positive culture. At Streamline, Director Graeme Walton noticed the difference: “Our workforce has become more reliable, happier and more willing to work. It’s resulted in an incredible improvement in attendance and overall morale.”
This kind of feedback is common. Employers aren’t just filling a vacancy when they hire a Filipino worker, they’re improving the way their teams function.
A clearer path to residence means more certainty
One of the biggest challenges in offshore hiring is knowing how long a worker can stay. The Green List update helps solve that problem.
From August 2025, tradespeople in the listed roles who meet the wage and work requirements will be able to apply for residence after 24 months. For employers, this means it’s easier to plan ahead and keep valued staff for the long haul.
Wage thresholds are set to reflect skill level. For welders, fabricators, machinists and fitters, the minimum rate is $43.63* an hour. For panel beaters, vehicle painters, and paving plant operators, it’s $38.59* an hour.
This update gives structure to what many businesses are already doing: hiring well, treating people fairly, and creating long-term workforce solutions.
*Note: these numbers are accurate on 1 July, 2025.
Talk to someone who knows how to make it work
If you’re considering hiring offshore, especially for a role that now appears on the Green List, now is a good time to act.
Recruit NZ has placed hundreds of skilled Filipino workers into New Zealand businesses. We manage the process carefully and work closely with you to ensure the fit is right for both skills and company culture.
Ready to talk about hiring from the Philippines?
Enquire now and we’ll help you understand what’s involved and how to move forward with confidence.
