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 Labourer
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Contract
Date:
18/01/2026
Tradestaff are looking for a switched-on Civil Labourer to join the crew in Cromwell.
This role would suit someone with their head screwed on, a strong work ethic, and a genuine drive to develop in civil/machine operating work. If you’re keen to upskill, gain licenses, stay in the area and build a long-term career — we want to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing
Spotting, shovelling, using hand tools, and assisting operators
General labouring and site support in a busy environment
Working around mobile plant and heavy machinery
Housekeeping and keeping the site running smoothly
Learning…..
Machine Operator
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
16/02/2026
We are seeking reliable and motivated Machine Operators on a fortnightly rotating roster with a strong factory or manufacturing background to join our team. This is a busy, fast‑paced environment, so we're looking for people who can follow instructions, work well under pressure, and are ready to hit the ground running, particularly on night shift.
Scaffolders- Dunedin
City:
Dunedin
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for experienced Scaffolders for various projects around Dunedin.
We need hard working motivated Scaffolders who are available for an immediate start.
To be eligible:
Applicants must have a demonstrable history minimum of one year experience
Be eligible to work in New Zealand
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test
Be able to work efficiently without supervision
Having your own basic tool kit is preferable
Have your own transport
Key Benefits:
Immediate start for
Quantity Surveyor I Nationwide Opportunities
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Extrastaff are currently working with nationally recognised Construction Contractors across the country, all of whom are growing and seeking Quantity Surveyors to bolster their already well-established teams.
About the role:
Our clients are busy commercial and residential contractors with a significant pipeline of work for the rest of the year and extending into 2025. We work with large blue-chip clients as well as boutique builders that are looking for a true culture fit. We are open to Quant