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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NZ Qualified Builder Wanted
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
NZ Qualified Builders Wanted
Extrastaff
Hamilton, New Zealand
Residential & Commercial Construction
Full-Time
$35–$50 p/h (based on experience)
Long-Term Projects
Competitive Pay + 8% Holiday Pay
Opportunities for Advancement
Are you a NZ Trade Qualified Builder looking for consistent, full-time work in Hamilton? We’re hiring experienced builders to join long-term projects across the Waikato region. This is a great opportunity to work with a solid team, enjoy great pay, and advance your
Scaffolder
City:
Taranaki
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
LOCATION:
New Plymouth, New Zealand
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Join a leading construction company based in the picturesque city of New Plymouth, New Zealand. My client is renowned for their commitment to safety and excellence in delivering quality construction projects. They take pride in their professional and supportive team environment, where every member contributes to their continued success.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
We are currently seeking skilled and dedicated Scaffolders. This is a pivotal role, e
Frame and truss assemblers in Wellington
City:
Wellington
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff is urgently in need of skilled Frame and Truss Assemblers in Wellington. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals who are passionate about the construction industry and looking to establish an exciting career with excellent growth prospects.
Key Responsibilities:
Assembling frames and trusses as per given design and instructions.
Operating machinery and hand tools to craft and finish the projects.
Ensuring that work is carried out to the highest standard in accordance with
Carpenter
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
about 1 month ago
Commercial Carpenter – Greymouth
Tradestaff Christchurch is looking for a skilled and motivated Commercial Carpenter to join our crew on a commercial project in Greymouth. This is a great opportunity for an experienced tradie who is comfortable with night-shift work and ready to jump into a solid commercial build.
Location: Greymouth
Start: Early January
Pay rate: $31–$35 per hour + $3 per hour night-shift allowance
About the Role
Carry out commercial carpentry tasks to a high standard
Based in Greymouth
Read plans and work to NZ building codes and safety protocols
Work independently …..