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 role involves keeping shelves fully stocked, products correctly displayed, and the store clean, safe, and ready for customers. Candidates should have good availability, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, depending on store needs. Previous retail experience is helpful but not always essential. The role requires physical stamina for lifting, bending, standing, and moving stock, along with reliable attendance and attention to detail. Woolworths expects candidates to provide friendly customer service, work cooperatively with colleagues, follow safety and food-handling procedures, and complete tasks efficiently in a busy supermarket environment. Applicants must generally have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
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 retailer serving customers across Australia and New Zealand. The business operates supermarkets, online grocery services, and supporting supply-chain and digital operations. In New Zealand, Woolworths replaced the Countdown brand as part of a wider brand transition, while continuing to provide everyday groceries, fresh food, household products, and convenient online shopping. The company employs a large store-based workforce and offers roles in customer service, replenishment, fresh food, logistics, technology, and management. Woolworths focuses on value, product quality, customer experience, team development, and responsible business practices. Store employees are central to keeping shelves available, maintaining safe and welcoming stores, and helping customers find what they need. The company may offer structured training, employee discounts, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities to progress into specialist or leadership positions.