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 supports the smooth running of a supermarket by replenishing shelves, rotating stock, checking product presentation, maintaining accurate displays and helping customers find products. Candidates should be reliable, physically able to lift and move stock, comfortable working on their feet, and willing to work early mornings, evenings, weekends or public holidays. Good communication, attention to detail and a positive team attitude are important. Previous retail experience is helpful but may not be essential, as training is generally provided. The successful candidate is expected to follow health and safety procedures, work efficiently in a busy environment and contribute to a clean, welcoming store.
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 organisation operating supermarkets and other consumer businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Its supermarket operations focus on providing fresh food, groceries, household products and convenient digital shopping services to local communities. In New Zealand, Woolworths supermarkets operate under the Woolworths brand, following the rebrand of Countdown stores. The company employs large store, distribution, technology and support teams and places emphasis on customer service, food quality, inclusion, safety and responsible business practices. Store employees typically work in fast-paced environments where teamwork, reliability and practical customer support are highly valued. Depending on the position and location, benefits may include staff discounts, structured training, flexible shifts and opportunities to progress into supervisory or specialist retail roles.