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 replenishing shelves, rotating and checking stock, maintaining accurate product presentation, and helping customers locate items. The successful candidate is expected to provide friendly service, work efficiently in a busy supermarket, follow health and safety procedures, and keep the store clean and well organised. The role may require lifting, standing for extended periods, working in chilled areas, and completing early morning, evening, weekend, or public-holiday shifts. Previous retail experience is helpful but not always essential. Candidates should be reliable, physically capable, team-oriented, comfortable using basic technology, and legally entitled to work in New Zealand. Flexibility and a positive attitude are important.
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 operating across Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, the business operates the Woolworths brand following the rebranding of Countdown stores. It provides customers with fresh food, household products, online grocery services, and everyday essentials through a large network of supermarkets and digital channels. The company employs people in stores, distribution centres, support offices, technology, customer service, and commercial teams. Store-based employees contribute directly to product availability, customer experience, food safety, and efficient daily operations. Woolworths promotes teamwork, inclusion, career development, and flexible employment options, including part-time and casual work. Conditions, benefits, and pay can vary according to the store, role, collective agreement, and the employee's availability.