National Occupation List occupation
Advanced Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator is occupation 721115 on the National Occupation List (NOL) V3.0, Stats NZ's New Zealand occupation classification, at NOL skill level 3. It has no ANZSCO 1.3 code of its own: Stats NZ maps it to ANZSCO 721111 Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator.
Stats NZ describes the requirement for NOL skill level 3 as:
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.
Operates advanced agricultural and horticultural mobile plant machinery such as specialised tractors and combine harvesters in production environments.
Performs checks and maintenance on machinery to ensure safe operation.
Leads compliance with health & safety regulations and company policies, ensuring site safety protocols and traffic management plans are followed.
Maintains accurate records of machinery usage and crop treatment activities, and reports equipment faults, hazards, or incidents.
Supports site development and infrastructure maintenance as required, and works collaboratively with teams to meet productivity targets.
Transports produce, equipment, and materials within blocks and packhouse areas.
Upholds cleanliness and organisation of machinery and work areas.
Exclusions
Immigration New Zealand accepts Advanced Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721115) for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or job check from 9 March 2026, at NOL skill level 3. For any other visa, including the Skilled Migrant Category, INZ requires the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead, so the rows below use the ANZSCO level for those visas. INZ's NOL list.
| 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 | Not available: skill level 4 and 5 occupations are excluded. | Skilled Work Experience pathway |
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.
Stats NZ links this occupation to Tahatū, the government careers website, which has more about the work in New Zealand, including pay: Agricultural equipment operator , Farm labour contractor , Heavy equipment operator .
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.
Advanced Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator is occupation 721115 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 721111 Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator.
NOL skill level 3, where 1 is the most skilled and 5 the least. 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)
Yes, for an Accredited Employer Work Visa or job check: Immigration New Zealand accepts Advanced Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721115) from 9 March 2026. For any other visa, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, INZ requires the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead.
Browse the National Occupation List or the ANZSCO code list.
Sources: 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).
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