Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Retail Assistant - Merchandise
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Retail Assistant – Merchandise helps keep store shelves and promotional displays fully stocked, organised and visually appealing. Key responsibilities may include receiving and moving stock, replenishing products, checking pricing and labels, maintaining merchandising standards, rotating inventory and supporting customers when required. Candidates are expected to be reliable, physically fit, safety-conscious and comfortable working on their feet, lifting stock and completing repetitive tasks. Good attention to detail, teamwork, a positive attitude and basic communication skills are important. Previous retail, supermarket or merchandising experience is helpful but may not be essential, as training is commonly provided. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays is generally expected.
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 one of New Zealand’s major grocery retailers and operates as part of Woolworths Group, a large Australian and New Zealand retail organisation. In New Zealand, the business provides customers with fresh food, groceries, household products and online shopping services through supermarkets and digital channels. Its stores rely on large teams working across customer service, checkout operations, replenishment, merchandising, inventory and fresh-food departments. Woolworths promotes convenient shopping, product quality, safety and community involvement, while also focusing on responsible sourcing and reducing food waste. The company offers entry-level and experienced roles in stores, supply chain, technology and corporate functions. Employees typically work in fast-paced environments where teamwork, reliability and customer focus are highly valued.