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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Civil Plant Operator
City:
Waikato
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
11/02/2026
Tradestaff Waikato is looking for experienced Excavator and Machine Operators to join a civil drainage crew working under an experienced Foreman on infrastructure projects across the region.
If you’re confident on the sticks, understand civil site expectations, and can work as part of a tight crew — we want to hear from you.
About the Role You’ll be operating excavators and other civil plant on drainage and infrastructure projects. The work includes trenching, backfilling, bulk earthworks, and assisting with the installation of stormwater, wastewater, and watermain systems.
You’ll be workin…..
Asbestos Removal Worker
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Our clients are a well known and growing name in the industry who specialise in asbestos removal, consultancy, and testing. As the workload expands, the team is growing and looking for removalists and supervisors holding class A and B tickets to join immediately
The ideal candidate;
Holds either a class A or B ticket (both is a bonus!)
Has proven experience within the industry
Commercial or residential experience - either are advantageous
Has a current asbestos medical certificate
Have the
Drainage labourers
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Drainlaying Opportunities – Build a Career in a High-Demand Trade!
Looking for solid, full-time work with great pay and the chance to learn a trade? We have opportunities available now to join drainage crews working on important projects around Canterbury.
You’ll be helping with things like water pipes, stormwater systems, and general drainlaying.
About the Role:
Whether you have experience or are looking to get a foot in the door, this is an opportunity to gain hands-on skills in a trade th
Experienced Spraypainters Wanted throughout New Zealand
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for 10 experienced Industrial Spraypainters 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 Industrial Spraypainter is responsible for:
Skills and experience required:
Some industrial spraypainting relevant