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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Construction Labourer
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We're on the lookout for dependable, hardworking individuals to join our client's team in the construction industry. Roles may be based in a factory or on-site, offering variety and hands-on experience.
What You'll Be Doing:
Operating basic tools and equipment such as nail guns and drop saws
Adhering to all safety protocols and procedures
Working independently and collaboratively within a team
Carrying out general labouring tasks as needed
What We're Looking For:
Previous experience in co
All-rounder Superstar - Civil
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
Were looking for someone who is not just an excavator operator, but someone who can turn their hand to most things. If you can run a loader, jump in a skid or a dozer, youre the kind of person were looking for. If you've got your class 2, 4 or 5, or can operate a grader, thats definitely an advantage. This role will give you plenty of variety and build on your existing skillets to advance your career. You must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and police check. What's in it for you
Wha
Forklift Operator
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We're on the lookout for a skilled and reliable Forklift Operator to join our clients team on a busy construction site. This is a hands-on role that requires someone who's not afraid to jump off the forklift and lend a hand with general labouring when needed.
What we're looking for:
Proven experience operating a forklift within the construction industry
A current and valid forklift licence
A strong work ethic and a can-do attitude
Someone who is reliable, punctual, and safety-conscious
Wil
Experienced Drainlayers
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We're looking for skilled, reliable and experienced drainage labourers to join our clients team.
You'll need to be physically fit and capable, with a good attitude and a strong work ethic. The role involves a range of hands-on tasks, and you must be comfortable with early starts, late finishes, and stay aways when required.
Requirements:
Previous experience in drilling, utilities, and drainlaying
Reliable transport to get to and from work
Physically fit and capable of manual work
Flexible