To be eligible you must be working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one.
If you meet all the visa requirements you can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa now. You can apply in New Zealand, come on a work visa and apply, or apply from outside New Zealand.
What you need to qualify
You must be paid at least NZD $72.80 an hour (208% of the 2025 median wage), or the equivalent annual salary.
If your employment or offer of employment is based on a contract for services you must be paid at least NZD $109.20 an hour (312% of the 2025 median wage), or the equivalent annual salary, and have a minimum of 10 years' work in a relevant role.
Study for this occupation
These New Zealand programmes are relevant to this occupation. Check them against the requirement above rather than assuming they satisfy it: several roles ask for an accredited undergraduate degree or a professional registration that a master's does not provide.
Auckland University of Technology
Green List related
University of Waikato
Green List related
Victoria University of Wellington
Green List related
Wintec, Waikato Institute of Technology
Green List related
EIT, Eastern Institute of Technology
Green List related
EIT, Eastern Institute of Technology
Green List related
Unitec
Green List related
Yoobee Colleges
Green List related
Green List settings are set by Immigration New Zealand and change from time to time. Always check the official page before relying on this.