Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Retail Assistant - Availability
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Retail Assistant – Availability helps keep the store fully stocked, organised and ready for customers. Responsibilities typically include receiving and unpacking deliveries, replenishing shelves, rotating products, checking dates and ticketing, maintaining presentation standards, and following health, safety and food-handling procedures. Candidates should be reliable, physically able to lift and move stock, comfortable working at pace, and available for early mornings, evenings, weekends or public holidays. Good teamwork, attention to detail, a positive attitude and clear communication are expected. Previous retail experience is helpful but not always essential, as training is generally 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 Group is a major retail group operating supermarkets, food businesses and other customer-focused brands across Australia and New Zealand. Its supermarket operations serve millions of customers through physical stores and online shopping services, supported by large supply, technology and logistics networks. Store teams play an important role in keeping products available, maintaining safe and welcoming shopping environments, and delivering dependable customer service. The company generally promotes teamwork, inclusion, learning and internal career development. In New Zealand, supermarket employment may be associated with Woolworths New Zealand, formerly Countdown, which operates stores nationwide under the Woolworths brand. Roles can range from entry-level store work to specialist, management, digital and supply-chain positions. Exact employment conditions, pay and benefits vary by location, collective agreements, contract type and the specific vacancy.