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
-
Residential Building
-
Non-residential Building
Heavy and Civil Engineering
Construction Services
-
Land Development and Site Preparation
-
Building Structure Services
-
Building Installation Services
-
Building Completion Services
-
Other Construction Services
Popular Jobs in Construction
-
Construction Director – Civil Engineering
-
Regional Finance Director – PFI/PPP Contracts
-
Project Manager – Construction Contractor
-
Senior Management Accountant – Special Projects Construction
-
Senior Architectural Designer – Civil Engineering
-
Group Financial Analyst – National Construction Contractor
-
Engineering Manager – Offshore Renewable Developer
-
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.
-
Building Inspector
-
Building Surveyor
-
Construction Project Manager
-
Surveying or Spatial Science Technician
-
Surveying Technician
-
Project Builder
-
Quantity Surveyor
-
Surveyor
Industry Snapshots
-
170,000 - People employed in the construction sector
-
5th - Largest sector in NZ
-
7.6% - of the workforce employed in construction jobs
-
30% - Increase in employment numbers between 2002-2012
-
44,000 - Number of people employed in building of residential and non-residential buildings
-
$30 billion + - Construction sector’s average annual contribution to the economy
Featured Jobs
There are no Jobs available with your search criteria
Please try with another Job Sector or City
Or Check for spelling mistakes.
Joinery Installer
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
25 days ago
Tradestaff Dunedin is seeking a qualified and experienced Joiner for a large-scale commercial interior fit-out. This is an excellent opportunity to join a professional team delivering high-spec joinery installations in a safe and well-managed environment.
You’ll be responsible for installing a range of joinery components including cabinetry, wall linings, skirting, and other architectural features, all to a high standard of finish.
Hours are 7am until 5pm, Monday to Friday
Pay rate is dependant on skill level - $35 - $40 per hour
Key Responsibilities:
Install detailed and custom joinery e…..
Machine Operator
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
30 days ago
Tradestaff are seeking Machine Operators to join our team in Queenstown.
If you can operate any of the following machines – we want to hear from you!
Excavators
Rollers (Compaction Rollers)
Loaders
Drilling machinery
Dump Trucks
Telehandlers
Concrete Mixers
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
What we’re looking for:
Relevant experience
Licenses and tickets
Ability to p…..
Carpenter
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Contract
Date:
about 1 month ago
Tradestaff are seeking Qualified Carpenters to join our team in Wanaka.
Are you a carpenter looking for your next opportunity? Seeking a skilled carpenter ready to join the framework of our team!
The role:
Perform a variety of carpentry tasks, including measuring, cutting, and assembling materials
Install and repair structures such as walls, floors, ceilings, and cabinetry
Work with different materials, including wood, drywall, and metal
Ensure all work complies with safety standards and building codes
Collaborate with other team members to complete projects efficiently and on time
Wha…..
Landscaper
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
about 1 month ago
Tradestaff are looking for landscapers to join the team.
Crisp mornings, clear skies, and creative projects — landscaping in Queenstown is about to kick off! We’re looking for multiple skilled landscapers to join our crew and help create stunning outdoor spaces across beautiful Queenstown.
Your day-to-day could include:
Designing, building, and installing outdoor features such as patios, pathways, retaining walls, and fences
Planting trees, shrubs, and seasonal flowers to enhance outdoor environments
Laying turf and creating garden beds
Installing irrigation systems and ensuring proper w…..


