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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Carpenters Wanted Throughout New Zealand
City:
North Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for experienced Carpenters to join our business, Extrastaff Limited. Our growing business requires organised and trustworthy individuals who pride themselves on quality workmanship. You must be motivated and result driven.
You might be asked to work across the country to assist with our projects, so flexibility on work locations is preferred.
The Carpenter and Joiner is responsible for:
Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
Electrician
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
28 days ago
We are looking for Electricians to join the Tradestaff team in Wanaka.
Are you an electrician looking to spark your next big opportunity? We're seeking a bright spark to join our team!
What we can offer you:
Good rates
Immediate start
A solid program of forward work
Full PPE and Safety Training at no charge
Assistance with tools if needed
A great team and an excellent Health and Safety Culture
Long term work opportunities – large project portfolio!
What you bring to the table:
Fully Qualified Electrician
A full driving licence
The ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen
You …..
Carpenters - Nelson
City:
Tasman / Marlborough
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for experienced Carpenters to join Extrastaff
Our growing business requires organised and trustworthy individuals who pride themselves on quality workmanship. You must be motivated and results driven
Skills and experience required:
2+ years relevant experience in carpentry OR relevant qualification is preferred
Good time management and an excellent work ethic
A commitment to learning and developing your skills within the industry
Sound knowledge of Health and Safety
Reliabl
Electrician
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
16 days ago
We are looking for Electricians to join the Tradestaff Queenstown team.
Whether you’re a NZ-registered electrician, hold an overseas qualification, or have hands-on electrical experience, we want to hear from you. From fully wiring projects to lending a hand with installs, there’s a place for you on our team in stunning Queenstown.
Your role could include:
Installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems
Running cables, wiring, and fit-off work
Assisting qualified sparkies on site
Using hand and power tools for electrical tasks
Site prep, clean-up, and general assistance
Worki…..