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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Asphalt Workers
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We have upcoming vacancies for experienced asphalt workers.
$26 - 35.00 p/hr based on experience.
Asphalting
Flat raking
Spotting machinery
Roller operating
For these roles you will need to have your own transport and Full Class 1 Licence.
Class 2 and WTR endorsements are highly advantageous.
A pre-employment drug test is required for these roles.
We provide all required PPE.
If you are an experienced asphalt worker with your own transport and full licence then apply online now and we
Excavator Operator
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We have opportunities for experienced excavator operators across civil and drainage.
Bulk Earthworks:
Loading out dump trucks with soil & aggregate
Cutting soil & clay
10T - 30T machines
$28.00 - $35.00 per hour
Roading Construction:
Digging out existing road
Reprepping sub-base
Finish & trim work to final levels
5T - 12T machines
$26.00 - $32.00 per hour
Drainage:
Trenching around services & shields for pipe installation
Slinging pipe into trenches
Reinstatement work
$28.00 - $3
Sample Prep Labourer
City:
Waikato
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
14/11/2025
We have opportunities for hard working, physically strong people to assist with the processing of mine samples in a local Waihi Factory. This is a friendly team environment and would be a great job for the right person where you have the potential to grow into a career.
You will need to be able to commit to shifts of 4 days on / 4 days off, 12 hour shifts so weekend work is a must on the rotation & reliability is a key requirement for the roles.
The role entails working with rock samples so yo
Framing Carpenter
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
17 days ago
We are seeking skilled Frame Carpenters to join our dynamic team in a factory setting. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in timber and factory environments, particularly those familiar with the MiTek software system.
Key Requirements:
Proven experience as a frame carpenter, preferably in a factory/timber background.
Familiarity with the MiTek software system.
Ability to read and understand technical drawings and measurements.
Competence in using a tape measure and other basic carpentry tools.
A bonus for candidates with truss experience.
What We Offer:
Co…..