The 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement allowed up to 800 non-labour market tested work visas for Chinese nationals in 5 specific occupations: Chinese chefs, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, Mandarin teacher's aides, Wushu martial arts coaches, and Chinese tour guides.
These work visas have a maximum duration of 3 years, after which individuals must remain outside New Zealand for 3 years before reapplying for a visa under this category.
