New Zealand has claimed the number‑one spot in the Global Life‑Work Balance Index 2025, scoring 86.87 out of 100, and retaining its crown for the third consecutive year. This performance places it 5.7–6 points ahead of second‑placed Ireland, underscoring the country’s leadership in work‑life balance globally. Key Factors Behind New Zealand’s Leading Position Statutory annual leave: Kiwis enjoy 32 days paid leave, one of the most generous worldwide. Paid maternity leave: Up to 26 weeks at full pay, supporting new parents. …

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From 18 August 2025, the wage thresholds for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will be updated in line with the new median wage of $33.56/hour. These changes are being made to reflect current labour market conditions and ensure the visa system continues to protect New Zealand wages while meeting genuine skill shortages. Key changes include: Earning $67.12/hour or more (2x median wage): You may be exempt from the labour market test and minimum skills requirement. Earning $50.34/hour or more …

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Big news for families hoping to reunite in New Zealand Aotearoa! From 1 July 2025, Immigration New Zealand is making thoughtful improvements to the Parent Resident Visa Category—a vital pathway that allows New Zealand citizens and residents to bring their parents here to live permanently. These updates are designed to streamline the process, provide more certainty, and open doors for more families to be together on New Zealand soil. Here’s what’s changing—and why it matters: More Opportunities Through the Ballot …

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If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work or residence, having your overseas qualification recognised is often a key step in the visa process. To simplify this, Immigration New Zealand maintains a List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) — a fast-track list that lets eligible applicants skip the formal qualification assessment process. When your qualification is on the LQEA, you don’t need to get it assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), saving you both time …

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Strengthening Ties: Easier Travel to New Zealand for Chinese Visitors Starting November 2025, travelling to New Zealand will get a whole lot simpler for eligible Chinese passport holders. As part of a 12-month trial, the New Zealand Government is removing the need for a full visitor visa for certain travellers arriving from Australia. Instead, they’ll just need a quick and easy New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). China continues to be one of New Zealand’s most valued international partners — …

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New Zealand has recently updated its health screening requirements for dependent children of temporary visa holders, affecting those children applying for student or visitor visas. What has changed? As of March 17, 2025, children under 21 who are dependents of work, student, or military visa holders must meet stricter health criteria. Specifically, children with severe cognitive or developmental disabilities requiring substantial support—such as significant intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or brain injuries—are now deemed not to meet the acceptable standard …

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From April 8, 2025, applicants will be granted temporary work rights when applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) while holding any type of work visa or a student visa that permits work during term time. This will allow applicants to work in New Zealand if their visa expires while their application is being processed. In most cases, Interim Visas are automatically granted to eligible applicants. The visa letter includes detailed conditions which confirm whether you are allowed to work. …

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