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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Roofer
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Contract
Date:
19 days ago
We are looking for Roofers to join the Tradestaff Queenstown team.
Whether you’re a qualified roofer 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 – residential and commercial
Long-term and short-term opportunities
Full PPE provided at no cost
Help with tools if required
Work with a supportive team that prioritises health and safety
The work may include:
Installing,…..
Labourer
City:
Waikato
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for reliable Runners/Labourers to join our clients recycling plant team in the Thames area. This is a temporary role starting ASAP until the end of January.
Key Duties:
Assist drivers on their runs as required
Follow drivers' directions and adhere to all health and safety requirements
Perform labour and yard duties (manual work) as needed
Note: No vehicle operation is required
Requirements:
Physically fit and able to perform manual labour
Reliable and punctual
Able to fol
Labourers
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for reliable self motivated labourers with a current Site Safe for various roles around Christchurch.
Some of these roles are casual, others are full time - we can work with you to find something that suits you.
Generally these positions are within the construction industry - they can be a variety of sites around the city.
You must have the following:
Current Site Safe
Clean MOJ
Able to pass a pre employment drug test
Minimum of restricted licence and your own car to get to
Plumber
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Contract
Date:
29 days ago
We are looking for Plumbers and Trade Assistants in Queenstown and the surrounding areas.
Overseas Qualified? If you have just arrived from overseas and hold an equivalent qualification we would love to have a chat about how we can help you get into the field over here in New Zealand.
What’s on offer?
Competitive rates and weekly pay
Exciting range of projects
Immediate start available
We provide free safety gear (PPE)
Work with a company that cares about your career and safety
Long term and short term opportunities available
The work may include:
Installing, fixing, and maintaining …..