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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Labourers with Sitesafe required
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is currently seeking skilled labourers who hold current site safe.
What you will be doing:
Concrete cutting
General labouring
Working with tools
Working on a variety of different projects
What we need from you:
Current Site safe
Construction experience
You are not afraid to get your hands dirty where needed and required
Licence
If this sounds like you, please email lauren.hansen@extrastaff.co.nz
Apply Now
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Experienced Bricklayers Wanted
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Bricklayer Wanted – Hamilton
Extrastaff – Hamilton, New Zealand
Position: Bricklayer
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Pay Rate: $25–$40/hour (depending on experience) + 8% holiday pay
Join a Leading Labour Hire Team!
Are you a skilled bricklayer looking for consistent work with great pay and long-term opportunities? Extrastaff is currently hiring experienced bricklayers for upcoming construction projects across Hamilton and the wider Waikato region.
Whether you're qualified or have
EWP Operator / Civil Form Worker - Tauranga
City:
Bay of Plenty
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
About the Role:
You'll be working across civil site operations, including formwork, grouting and elevated work platform operation. The ideal candidate will be comfortable assisting with general civil tasks as required and have a strong focus on safety and quality workmanship.
What We're Looking For:
Current EWP ticket (essential)
Proven civil formwork and site experience in NZ
Site Safe (or equivalent H&S Qualification
Physically fit and reliable with a great work ethic
Team player with a
Carpenter
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
30 days ago
Tradestaff are seeking Carpenters to join our team in Wanaka.
The role:
Perform a variety of carpentry tasks, including measuring, cutting, and assembling materials
Install and repair structures such as walls, floors, ceilings, and cabinetry
Work with different materials, including wood, drywall, and metal
Ensure all work complies with safety standards and building codes
Collaborate with other team members to complete projects efficiently and on time
What we offer:
Work on a variety of interesting builds and projects
Enjoy great rates for your expertise
We provide safety gear and cov…..