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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Civil Construction Roles - Christchurch
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking to fill the following positions for a large client starting new subdivisions. These roles all have a required start date of 08/01/2025
Articulated Dump Truck drivers who have experience driving these trucks - Need to have Class 2 licence and W endorsement
Class 4/Roller drivers - R endorsement required
Skilled labourer with WTR endorsements - great opportunity here for someone wanting to gain skills and seat time in machinery
These roles will give you plenty of consistent hour
Experienced Ceiling Fixer
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for someone with 5 plus years experience who can set out their own work.
Ideally you have experience in gib grid on wires, building bulkheads and two way ceilings.
You will need to be able to work unsupervised and on your own.
Own transport and current full driver license preferred.
Apply Now
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Tiler
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Contract
Date:
18 days ago
We are looking for Tilers to join the Tradestaff Queenstown team.
Whether you’re a qualified tiler or have solid hands-on experience, we want to hear from you. Work on sites that match your skill set and preferences while growing your trade experience with us.
What’s on offer?
Competitive rates and weekly pay
Immediate start available
Exciting variety of projects
Long-term and short-term opportunities
Full PPE provided at no cost
Work with a supportive team that prioritises health and safety
The work may include:
Reading and interpreting drawings, plans, and specifications to underst…..
Hammerhand work - Ashburton
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for several experienced hammerhands to get started immediately on a short term project in Ashburton
Immediate start
Must be reliable
Must have experience working as a hammerhand
Need to have your own tools and a reliable way of getting to work
Will need Site Safe (we can assist with this if yours has expired)
This is a fulltime short term position
Keen to know more? Apply now or call Marc on 021865955
Apply Now
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