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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Scaffolder/ Leading Hand
City:
Waikato
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are currently seeking experienced Scaffolders and Scaffolding Leading Hands for ongoing work across Tokoroa, Taupō and Kawerau. These roles suit motivated individuals who take pride in their work and can operate safely and efficiently on site.
About the Role
Erecting, modifying and dismantling scaffolding systems
Interpreting plans and site requirements
Ensuring all work is completed in line with safety standards
Leading Hand roles will involve supervising small crews and liaising with s
Frame and truss assemblers in Hamilton
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Extrastaff is urgently in need of skilled Frame and Truss Assemblers in Hamilton. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals who are passionate about the construction industry and looking to establish an exciting career with excellent growth prospects.
Key Responsibilities:
Assembling frames and trusses as per given design and instructions.
Operating machinery and hand tools to craft and finish the projects.
Ensuring that work is carried out to the highest standard in accordance with ou
Operations Manager
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
9/02/2026
We’re looking for an experienced Nursery Manager to take charge of day-to-day operations at a well-established nursery. This role suits someone with strong horticulture knowledge, proven leadership skills, and the ability to keep operations running smoothly while delivering great customer service.
Details
Location: Coatesville, Auckland
Pay rate: $70,000–$80,000 annually (paid weekly)
About the role
In this hands-on position, you’ll be responsible for managing staff, overseeing nursery operations, and ensuring high standards across the yard and deliveries. You’ll work closely with stakeho…..
Concrete Placer
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for an experienced Concrete Placer
This will be a full time ongoing position for the right person
Join a great team based in North Canterbury, in a stable long term role
What we require from you:
Must be confident in all aspects of concrete work
Experienced with placing and finishing
Prior experience using walk behind float machines
Able to work unsupervised
Able to pass a pre employment drug test
Own transport to get to and from work
A good work ethic
Can commit to ful