Research and Development Managers lead R&D programmes across NZ's primary industries, technology sector, healthcare, and manufacturing. NZ's Crown Research Institutes, agritech, and medtech sectors are significant employers.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Research and Development Manager 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.
Research and Development Managers in New Zealand lead teams of scientists, engineers, and researchers to drive product innovation, process improvement, and new knowledge creation. They manage R&D project portfolios, secure research funding (including Callaghan Innovation grants), govern intellectual property, and translate research into commercial products or services. Key employers include Crown Research Institutes (AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, GNS Science, ESR, NIWA, Scion, Landcare Research), Callaghan Innovation, technology companies, pharmaceutical firms, food manufacturers, and universities. NZ's innovation ecosystem — supported by Callaghan Innovation's significant R&D co-investment — creates consistent demand for experienced R&D leaders.
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. Research and Development Manager (ANZSCO 132411) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV. R&D management roles at Crown Research Institutes, technology companies, and pharmaceutical firms typically pay well above the NZ$35.00/hr immigration median wage.
Callaghan Innovation is NZ's innovation agency, providing R&D grants, capability grants, and investment co-funding for NZ businesses. It's a significant co-funder of applied R&D in NZ. Understanding Callaghan's funding programmes and grant application processes is highly valued by NZ R&D employers — particularly for roles that involve securing R&D co-investment.
NZ's most active R&D sectors are: agritech and food science (precision farming, plant biotech, dairy innovation), clean energy and climate solutions (geothermal, hydrogen, low-carbon agriculture), health and biomedical research (vaccine development, ageing, Māori health), ICT and software (AI, robotics, geospatial), and materials science. Crown Research Institutes are world-class in their specific domains.
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