Design and construct timber furniture, kitchen cabinetry, and joinery for residential and commercial interiors across New Zealand.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Cabinetmaker visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.
Cabinetmakers are in strong demand across NZ's residential fitout, kitchen manufacturing, and commercial furniture sectors. ANZSCO 394111 is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa. NZ's residential construction and renovation drives consistent demand for kitchen joinery, wardrobe fitout, and custom furniture. European-trained cabinetmakers with fine woodworking skills are particularly valued in the premium market.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. Cabinetmaker (ANZSCO 394111) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement.
Kitchen joinery and cabinetry (highest volume), wardrobe and built-in fitout, commercial office and retail fitout, and custom/bespoke furniture. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch have the most opportunities.
NZ kitchens are predominantly melamine and board-based, similar to Australia. CNC and flat-pack assembly skills transfer well. The same fundamental joinery skills apply across markets.
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