Construction Jobs in New Zealand
Recruitment Agencies we recommend
Tradestaff
Tradestaff is New Zealand's leading supplier of temporary and permanent workers to the trade sector. With 12 locations throughout the country Tradestaff has a broad range of work available now – from unskilled to highly specialised.
About the Construction Industry
The construction sector in New Zealand employs around 170,000 people across a range of jobs. Construction and maintenance of infrastructure and buildings is an incredibly important part of the economy and influences productivity in the majority of other sectors. The quality of this work also impacts the welfare of New Zealanders in general, from creating safe housing to safe built environments.
The latest reports on the construction industry in New Zealand show increasing growth across all sectors and sub-sectors. They also stress that the industry is an integral part of a highly complex ecosystem which includes regulators, planning authorities, materials manufacturers and suppliers, property developers and a range of professional service providers.
Demand for Skills in the Construction Sector
Construction is a labour intensive activity and many firms report difficulty in recruiting skilled and experienced labour.
The construction sector covers a wide range of jobs and skill-sets, from tradespeople and labourers through to project managers and engineers. The industry is experiencing an unprecedented increase in workload following earthquake damage in some major centres like Canterbury and Wellington. There is also a massive demand for housing mostly centred in Auckland but generally nation-wide.
The biggest concentration of construction workers and jobs is in Auckland, followed by Canterbury, then Wellington, then the Waikato.
Sub-Sectors of the Construction Sector
Building Construction
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Residential Building
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Non-residential Building
Heavy and Civil Engineering
Construction Services
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Land Development and Site Preparation
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Building Structure Services
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Building Installation Services
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Building Completion Services
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Other Construction Services
Popular Jobs in Construction
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Construction Director – Civil Engineering
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Regional Finance Director – PFI/PPP Contracts
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Project Manager – Construction Contractor
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Senior Management Accountant – Special Projects Construction
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Senior Architectural Designer – Civil Engineering
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Group Financial Analyst – National Construction Contractor
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Engineering Manager – Offshore Renewable Developer
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Project Accountant – Leading Construction Contractor
For Visa Applicants: Roles On the Skills Shortages List
If you are offered a job which appears on the list below, and you have the qualifications and experience to match, getting a work visa will be easier. This is because the government has identified that employers need to recruit people from overseas to help meet demand for your skills.
Because construction tends to be a boom-and-bust industry heavily influenced by business cycles and variables like the weather, the industry often experiences skill shortages and a difficulty in upskilling employees.
In boom times skill gaps tend to be met through immigration. Immigrants skilled in construction may therefore be well considered for visa approval.
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Building Inspector
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Building Surveyor
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Construction Project Manager
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Surveying or Spatial Science Technician
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Surveying Technician
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Project Builder
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Quantity Surveyor
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Surveyor
Industry Snapshots
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170,000 - People employed in the construction sector
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5th - Largest sector in NZ
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7.6% - of the workforce employed in construction jobs
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30% - Increase in employment numbers between 2002-2012
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44,000 - Number of people employed in building of residential and non-residential buildings
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$30 billion + - Construction sector’s average annual contribution to the economy
Featured Jobs
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Advanced Heavy Machine Operator - Upper North Island
City:
All New Zealand
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
20/10/2025
Looking for a fresh opportunity? Keen to get stuck into projects that make a real difference, offer variety, and leave you with that "job well done" feeling?
At AWF, we work alongside New Zealand's top-tier civil contractors to deliver major infrastructure projects nationwide, and we're on the lookout for experienced heavy machine operators like you to join our team!
Roles Available:
We want to hear from you if you have operator experience in one or all the below:
Advanced Labourer
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
20/10/2025
Employment Type: Casual / Temporary / Full-time (depending on role)
Company: AWF - Working with trusted clients across New Zealand
About the Role
AWF is seeking reliable and hardworking individuals to fill a variety of labour roles for our valued clients. These roles span across multiple industries and offer opportunities for both entry-level and experienced workers. If you're physically fit, safety-conscious, and ready to get stuck in, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities
Dependi
Advanced Labourer
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
20/10/2025
Select Recruitment is looking for Advanced Labourers to support our clients on upcoming projects. Whether it's civil, construction, or industrial work, there's no shortage of opportunities to grow your career. You'll be working on a variety of sites across Dunedin and surrounding areas, supporting top-tier contractors and companies.
Tasks may include:
AirCon/HVAC Technician
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
#N/A
Tradestaff are looking for an AirCon/HVAC Technician to join our team in Queenstown.
We have a range of roles available so whether you're an HVAC installer, refrigeration and air conditioning technician, heat pump technician, we encourage you to apply!
What’s on offer?
Competitive rates and weekly pay
Exciting range of opportunities
Immediate start available
We provide free safety gear (PPE)
Long term and short-term opportunities available
Work may include:
Installing and fitting ductwork for HVAC systems
Pipe fitting and connecting plumbing for heating and cooling systems
Installin…..