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.
This role supports the presentation and availability of merchandise in a Woolworths supermarket. Typical responsibilities include receiving and organising stock, replenishing shelves, rotating products, checking prices and promotions, maintaining planograms, and keeping displays safe, clean and appealing. Candidates are expected to provide friendly customer service, work accurately and efficiently, follow health and safety procedures, and remain reliable during busy periods. Physical fitness for lifting, bending and standing is usually required. Retail experience is helpful but not always essential; a positive attitude, willingness to learn, teamwork and flexibility to work evenings, weekends or public holidays 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 Group is a major retail organisation operating supermarkets and other consumer businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Its supermarket operations focus on providing customers with fresh food, groceries, household products and everyday essentials through physical stores and digital channels. In New Zealand, the supermarket business has historically traded as Countdown and is transitioning under the Woolworths brand. The company employs a large frontline workforce across stores, distribution centres, support offices and online fulfilment operations. Its work environment generally emphasises customer service, food quality, safety, inclusion, teamwork and efficient store execution. Retail assistants are central to the customer experience, helping maintain well-stocked, orderly and welcoming stores while supporting promotional activity and daily operations.