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 focuses on keeping shelves fully stocked, products correctly presented, and the store ready for customers. Typical duties include receiving and rotating stock, replenishing products, checking dates and availability, maintaining clean and safe work areas, and helping customers when needed. Candidates are expected to be reliable, physically capable of lifting and standing for extended periods, attentive to detail, and comfortable working at a fast pace. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays is usually important. Previous retail experience is helpful but not always required; a positive attitude, teamwork, good communication, and a willingness to learn are essential.
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 communities across Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, its supermarkets operate under the Woolworths brand following the rebranding of Countdown stores. The business provides customers with fresh food, groceries, household products, pharmacy services in selected locations, and online shopping options. Woolworths employs a large store-based workforce across customer service, replenishment, fresh-food departments, logistics, digital operations, and management. The company places strong emphasis on food quality, safety, responsible sourcing, inclusion, and convenient customer experiences. Store team members are central to the business, helping maintain product availability, support customers, and keep supermarkets clean, safe, and efficient. Working for Woolworths can provide entry-level experience, flexible shifts, training, and opportunities to progress into specialist or supervisory roles.