National Occupation List occupation
Timber Machinist is occupation 711316 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 711313 Sawmilling 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.
Timber machinists are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of timber machining plants and equipment. They will also be responsible for the maintenance of plant and equipment and will be capable of troubleshooting and making decisions to maintain productivity.
Accurately records timber movement documentation.
Sets up, operates, and maintains planers, band saws, and other timber-processing machines to cut, shape, and finish timber
Grinds and hones knives to precise profiles
Monitors production quality and maintains safety standards
Records timber movement and assists in packaging and dispatch.
Trains and cross-trains other team members
Maintains, setups and cleans machines
Maintains best practice tooling profile storage and replacement escalation
Ensures product is maintained, packaged and dispatched to the highest stands
Performs quality control for all timber processed
Immigration New Zealand accepts Timber Machinist (711316) 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 | Open to skill level 1 to 3 occupations, with work experience and pay requirements. | 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: Wood sawing machine 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.
Timber Machinist is occupation 711316 on Stats NZ's National Occupation List. Its ANZSCO 1.3 equivalent is 711313 Sawmilling 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 Timber Machinist (711316) from 9 March 2026. For any other visa, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, INZ requires the equivalent ANZSCO occupation code instead.
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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