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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Project Manager Commerical & Residential
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Extrastaff are currently working with nationally recognised Construction Contractors across the country, all of whom are growing and seeking talented Project Managers to bolster their already well-established teams.
About the role:
As the key Project Manager on most projects, your role will include scoping, coordinating, planning, and executing the delivery of a range of projects in a variety of sectors. You will be responsible for full cost management including budgeting, cost control and for
Excavator Operator
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
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
Fire Systems Technician
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Job Title: Fire Systems Technician - Auckland
Are you an experienced Fire Systems Technician looking for a new opportunity with a growing company? We're expanding our team in Auckland and seeking a dedicated professional to join us!
About the Role: You will be responsible for the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of a variety of fire protection systems, including fire alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems, across commercial and industrial sites. Your work will ensure complia
TTM Worker
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
16/02/2026
We're looking for reliable and safety‑minded TTM Workers to join our Dunedin team, supporting crews on live roadwork sites across the region. If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, and being part of a tight‑knit crew that keeps traffic moving safely, this could be the perfect role for you.