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 supports the daily presentation and availability of products in the supermarket. Duties may include replenishing shelves, rotating stock, checking pricing and tickets, maintaining displays, monitoring product quality, and keeping the work area safe and tidy. The role generally requires good communication, reliability, physical fitness for lifting and standing, attention to detail, and a customer-focused attitude. Previous retail or supermarket experience is helpful but may not be essential. Candidates are expected to work cooperatively, follow health and safety procedures, manage tasks efficiently, and provide friendly service. Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays may be required.
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 serve millions of customers through stores, online shopping, delivery, and pickup services. In New Zealand, the business focuses on providing fresh food, groceries, household products, and convenient digital shopping options. The company employs a large frontline workforce in stores, distribution centres, support offices, and online operations. Its retail teams are responsible for maintaining product availability, store standards, food safety, and a positive customer experience. Woolworths promotes teamwork, inclusion, learning, and internal career development. Store-based roles can provide useful entry-level experience in retail, customer service, merchandising, stock management, and supermarket operations.