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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Scaffolders - Manawatu
City:
Palmerston North
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Scaffolders Wanted – Palmerston North
Full-Time | Competitive Rates | Immediate Start
We are currently seeking experienced and motivated Scaffolders to join our team for upcoming projects in Palmerston North. This is an excellent opportunity to secure ongoing work with a reputable company, offering a supportive team environment and strong pipeline of work.
What We Offer:
Competitive hourly rates (based on experience)
Consistent full-time hours
Supportive team culture and safe working envir
Roofing Foreman
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Join a leading roofing company specialising in high-quality roofing solutions across New Zealand. My client pride themselves on a strong team culture, commitment to health and safety, and exceptional service delivery. With a solid market presence, they are always on the lookout for dedicated professionals to help reach new heights.
About the Role:
As a Roofing Foreman, you will oversee and manage a skilled team of roofers and laborers. This role requires a strong focus on health and safety, ex
Drainage Labourers
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Our client, a well-established drainage company based in North Canterbury, is seeking reliable labourers to join their team.
This is a physically demanding role suited to people who are not afraid of hard work. In return, the position offers full-time, ongoing hours with consistent work throughout the year - rain or shine.
Key details:
Full-time, ongoing employment
Competitive pay, based on experience
Work available year-round (no rain days)
Yard based in North Canterbury
Requirements:
S