Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Retail Assistant - Merchandise
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Retail Assistant – Merchandise supports the presentation, availability and organisation of products in store. Typical duties include replenishing shelves, setting up promotional displays, checking pricing and stock levels, rotating products, maintaining visual standards and assisting customers when required. The role generally requires good physical fitness, attention to detail, reliability and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced retail environment. Candidates should be comfortable standing for long periods, lifting stock safely, following merchandising instructions and working flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays. Previous retail or merchandising experience is helpful but training is often provided.
Can I work in New Zealand?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Shop-floor jobs are mostly skill level 5, as for hotel line jobs: an accredited employer, a 21-day advert, a Work and Income check, an English test and a 3-year cap.
Before you apply: Shop-floor jobs need no professional licence. Pharmacists do: they must register with the local regulator, and one qualified abroad often has to pass local exams first. Selling alcohol can need a short course and certificate, for example in Australia.
Watch for: Retail managers are on the residence 'red list' since 24 August 2026: they cannot use the two new residence pathways.
Official source: Immigration New Zealand: engaging with Work and Income before your Job Check. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in New Zealand
Usual for Retail & Consumer jobs in New Zealand, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Varies; not usually provided |
|---|---|
| Relocation | Employer must pay recruitment costs; you may pay the NZD 1,540 visa fee, any adviser and airfare |
| Flights | Varies by employer and seniority |
| Pay and discount | Minimum wage NZD 23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026 (by law) |
| Contract | Work visas for most shop-floor jobs last 3 years at most (skill levels 4 and 5) |
| Leave | 4 weeks after a year and 12 public holidays (by law); 10 days' sick leave after 6 months (by law) |
| Income tax | 10.5% to NZD 15,600, 17.5% to 53,500, 30% to 78,100, 33% to 180,000, then 39%; plus a 1.75% accident levy |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
About Woolworths Supermarkets
Woolworths Supermarkets is a major grocery retail business serving customers through supermarkets, online shopping and associated digital services. It is part of Woolworths Group, a large retail organisation with operations across Australia and New Zealand. The business focuses on providing fresh food, groceries, household products and convenient shopping experiences at competitive prices. Supermarket teams work across store operations, customer service, replenishment, merchandising, online fulfilment and supply chain activities. Employees are generally expected to support a safe, inclusive and customer-focused workplace while maintaining high standards of product availability and presentation. Woolworths offers a range of entry-level, part-time, casual and career-development opportunities, making it a common employer for people beginning or continuing a career in retail.