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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

ICT Manager
Immigration to New Zealand

ICT Managers lead technology teams, manage IT infrastructure, and drive digital strategy across NZ organisations. Digital transformation investments and a growing tech sector create strong demand for experienced IT leaders.

ANZSCO Code
135111
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Technology
NZ Salary Range
NZ$95,000 – NZ$165,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

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.

ICT Managers in New Zealand oversee IT operations, manage technology teams, develop digital strategies, and govern enterprise technology decisions. They may hold titles such as IT Manager, Head of IT, Technology Manager, or CTO depending on organisation scale. NZ's ongoing digital transformation across government, banking, healthcare, retail, and primary industries is creating consistent demand for capable IT managers with both technical depth and business acumen. Auckland's technology corridor, Wellington's government IT sector, and Christchurch's growing tech cluster are the main employment markets. The role differs from ICT Project Manager (on the NZ Green List) — it is an ongoing operational leadership role, not project-based.

NZ Salary Range for ICT Manager

NZ$95,000 – NZ$165,000
CTOs, Heads of Technology, and IT Managers at large enterprises or listed companies earn toward the top. Technology leadership roles in banking (ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ) and Te Whatu Ora command premium salaries.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for ICT Manager

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
  • ANZSCO Skill Level 1 — 5-year visa
  • Meets NZ immigration median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)
  • No English test required
  • Relevant IT degree and management experience

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ skilled work experience
  • SMC points threshold met
  • IT degree and management track record
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 Skill Level 1 — Bachelor's degree or higher
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 1 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Business/Engineering (NZQCF Level 7)
  • 7+ years IT experience including team leadership and budget management
  • Cloud platforms experience (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) — increasingly expected
  • ITIL, PRINCE2, or Agile framework knowledge
  • Cybersecurity, compliance, or architecture experience valued for senior roles

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. Institute of IT Professionals New Zealand (IITP) membership is the professional standard. IITP Certified Professional (CP) designation is well-regarded. AWS, Azure, or GCP certifications are valuable credentials.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a ICT Manager

1
Document IT team size, budget managed, and technology transformation outcomes
2
Highlight cloud platform experience and cybersecurity governance — top priorities for NZ IT leaders
3
Target NZ government agencies (digital transformation), banking/financial services, and technology companies
4
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer — ICT Manager roles typically exceed NZ$35.00/hr
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test required

Is ICT Manager on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can an ICT Manager get an AEWV in New Zealand?

Yes. ICT Manager (ANZSCO 135111) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV. ICT Manager roles in NZ pay well above the NZ$35.00/hr immigration median wage. Note: ICT Project Manager is on the NZ Green List — ICT Manager (operational leadership) is separate and uses the AEWV pathway.

What is the difference between ICT Manager and ICT Project Manager in NZ immigration?

ICT Project Manager (on the Green List) involves leading specific technology projects with defined scope, schedule, and budget. ICT Manager (AEWV, ANZSCO 135111) involves ongoing operational leadership of an IT function — managing teams, infrastructure, vendor relationships, and technology strategy. Most IT Manager roles in NZ fall under 135111.

What sectors have the most demand for ICT Managers in New Zealand?

NZ's biggest demand is in: central government digital transformation (Te Whatu Ora, MBIE, DIA, IRD), banking and financial services, large retail chains, primary industry technology (agritech, dairy processing), and technology services companies. Wellington (government IT) and Auckland (corporate, fintech) are the main markets.

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