ANZSCO 1.3 occupation

Wood Machinist: ANZSCO code 394213

Wood Machinist is occupation 394213 in ANZSCO 1.3, the classification Immigration New Zealand uses for most work visas and every Skilled Migrant Category application. It sits at ANZSCO skill level 3, in unit group 3942 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers.

ANZSCO code
394213
Skill level
3
Unit group
3942 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers
Green List
No

Wood Machinist: qualifications and experience required in New Zealand

ANZSCO places this occupation at skill level 3. For New Zealand, ANZSCO describes the qualifications and experience as:

NZQF Level 4 qualification. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Under the National Occupation List, code 394213 is "Wood Machinist" at NOL skill level 3: NZQCF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (NZQCF Level 4/NOL Skill Level 3).

A skill level describes the occupation, not you. Immigration New Zealand matches a job to the single closest occupation, and the skill level comes from that occupation; more experience does not move an occupation to a higher level.

What does a wood machinist do?

Cuts, planes, turns, shapes and sands wood stock to specifications.

Tasks for unit group 3942 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers include:

  • Studying drawings, work orders and sample parts to determine specifications
  • Determining tooling and machine requirements and sequence of operations
  • Setting up woodworking machines and wood stock for correct cutting, planning, turning, shaping and sanding
  • Operating machines to cut, plane, turn, shape and sand work pieces
  • Removing old finishes by stripping with steel wool and glasspaper, and by applying solvents and paint strippers, and removing softened finishes by scraping
  • Applying varnish, shellac, lacquer, stains and paint to surfaces and polishing and waxing finished surfaces
  • Fitting and fastening frame pieces
  • Mounting backing materials and subjects for framing

Other job titles under ANZSCO 394213

Alternative titles and specialisations from ANZSCO, and job titles Stats NZ lists under the same code:

  • Automatic Profile Sander Operator
  • Copy Lathe Operator
  • Edge Bander Operator
  • Jigmaker (Wood)
  • Panel Saw Operator
  • Woodworking Machine Setter
  • Cooper
  • Wood Worker Machinist
  • Woodworker
  • Woodworking Machinist
  • Wood Turner
  • Wood Model Maker

What skill level 3 means for New Zealand visas

Visa rule For this occupation More
Accredited Employer Work Visa: longest visa Up to 5 years for skill level 1 to 3 roles. AEWV guide
AEWV: evidence of English Required for skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026, with limited exemptions. AEWV guide
Supporting a partner's visa The skill level 1 to 3 wage threshold applies. Partner of a Worker
Skilled Migrant Category: Skilled Work Experience pathway Open to skill level 1 to 3 occupations, with work experience and pay requirements. Skilled Work Experience pathway
SMC red and amber lists Not on either list. INZ's lists
SMC Trades and Technician pathway Listed by INZ as an eligible occupation. Trades and Technician guide
Green List No Green List role is listed under this code. INZ's Green List

Rules as published by Immigration New Zealand. Lists synced 31 October 2026. Each visa has further requirements beyond skill level, including pay and work experience.

National Occupation List occupations for ANZSCO 394213

Stats NZ's National Occupation List is gradually replacing ANZSCO. These NOL occupations map to ANZSCO 394213. Immigration New Zealand accepts a NOL code only for an AEWV or job check, and only for occupations on its published list; for any other visa, use the ANZSCO code.

NOL code NOL occupation NOL skill level INZ accepts for an AEWV
394213 Wood Machinist 3 Not yet
394215 Joinery Machinist 3 From 3 November 2025
394216 Joinery Technician 3 From 3 November 2025
394217 Joinery Practitioner - Generalist 3 From 3 November 2025

More about this job in New Zealand

Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Model maker , Woodworking machine operator .

Not sure this is your occupation?

Picking the right occupation decides the skill level, and with it the visa rules above. Talk it through with us: we will listen to your situation and match you with the right IAA-licensed adviser. You can also check your pay and work experience against the residence wage rules with our calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Wood Machinist?

Wood Machinist is ANZSCO 1.3 occupation 394213, in unit group 3942 Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO 1.3 for most work visa applications and all Skilled Migrant Category applications.

What skill level is Wood Machinist?

ANZSCO skill level 3, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. NZQF Level 4 qualification. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Is Wood Machinist on the Green List?

No Green List role is listed under ANZSCO 394213 on Immigration New Zealand's Green List as at 31 October 2026.

Sources: ANZSCO version 1.3, Australian Bureau of Statistics, CC BY 4.0, synced 31 October 2026; National Occupation List V3.0.0, Stats NZ, CC BY 4.0, synced 1 November 2026; Immigration New Zealand occupation lists, synced 31 October 2026. This page reproduces published classifications and Immigration New Zealand's lists. It is general information, not immigration advice. ProVisas is a licensed New Zealand immigration advisory firm (IAA Licence 201301110).