Trades & Services Jobs
About the Trades & Services Industry 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.
Globally, skilled trades are the highest in demand. The bottom line is that New Zealand needs skilled tradespeople to contribute to its development, and last year the Trades and Services industry was booming. It was among the fastest-growing industries on SEEK with a 16.9% increase in job opportunities. The industry recorded more than 3,400 new roles year-on-year and the average advertised salary was $59,646.
Growth in this industry was driven primarily by the housing market in Auckland, with the city accounting for 9.4% of the total growth in job opportunities year-on-year.
Roles advertised in Automotive Trades made up the biggest contribution to the overall growth in Trades & Services, with 3.7% growth in job opportunities year-on-year. This was followed by Labourers (2.5%) and roles in the Building Trades (2.3%).
Demand for Trades and Services in New Zealand
New Zealand suffers from a significant skills shortfall in the Trades & Services industry and there is subsequently a strong demand for talented individuals across a number of roles. The current shortage amounts to around 60,000 workers in building and construction alone.
The growth in job opportunities across Building Trades (2.3%) and Labouring (2.5%) was driven by the housing boom. New Zealand needs to continue to build more than 30,000 new homes each year if we are to keep up with rising demand. Half of the jobs shortfall is estimated to be for trades qualified workers. That translates into great opportunities for those considering construction as a career.
In addition, the building and construction industry is becoming increasingly specialised, meaning that there are qualifications available for specialized trades, and plenty of scope for employment in these areas.
The sector can be broken down into the following categories:
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Automotive trades
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Labourers
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Building trades
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Technicians
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Welders & Boilermakers
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Carpentry & Cabinet Making
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Cleaning Services
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Fitters, Turners & Machinists
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Gardening & Landscaping
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Hair & Beauty Services
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Nannies & Babysitters
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Locksmiths
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Bakers & Pastry Chefs
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.
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Automotive Electrician
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Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
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Electrician (General)
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Electric Line Mechanic
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Baker
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Bricklayer
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Carpenter
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Carpenter and Joiner
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Composite Technician
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Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
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Fibrous Plasterer
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Floor Finisher
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Glazier
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Joiner
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Metal Casting Trades Worker (Foundry Moulder)
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Metal Fabricator
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Metal Machinist (First Class) (CNC Machinist)
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Motor Mechanic (General)
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Motor Mechanic (General) (Automotive Air Conditioning Technician)
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Panel Beater
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Plastics Technician
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Plastics Engineer
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Roof Tiler
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Roof Plumber
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Scaffolder
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Sheetmetal Trades Worker
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Solid Plasterer
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Stonemason
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Vehicle Painter
Featured Jobs
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Yardperson
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are seeking a reliable and hard working Yardsperson
This is a fulltime ongoing role commencing immediately for the right person
It is essential you meet the following criteria
Experienced operating forklifts (minimum of 1 year)
Current OSH certificate
Telehandler experience
Self motivated
Happy to labour and get involved with site clean up etc
Available to work Monday to Friday, plus some Saturdays when required
Clean MOJ record
Pass a drug test
Own transport to get to and from wor
Qualified Commercial Drainlayer - Christchurch
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are seeking a skilled and certified Drainlayer to join a great team in Christchurch. This role requires a hardworking, reliable individual with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality work. If you are passionate about your trade and looking for a rewarding opportunity, we'd love to hear from you!
You must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and police check.
What's in it for you:
Weekly pay
Competitive hourly rate dependant on experience
Strong pipeline of work to keep y
Suspended Ceiling Specialist
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are seeking a reliable and hard working suspended ceiling installer.
This is a fulltime ongoing role commencing immediately for the right person.
It is essential you meet the following criteria:
Be able to set out and install suspended ceilings
Be able to work within a team
Be able to understand and read plans
Follow instructions
Follow health and safety at all time
Have a current Site Safe
Have a minimum restricted licence and reliable transport
Be able to problem solve
Have own t