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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Reach Truck / Forklift Operator East Tamaki
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for an experienced forklift / reach trucks operators for a fulltime role
Benefits:
40+ hours a week
Great team environment
Day shift, weekends off
Competitive pay rate
The ideal candidates will have:
Proven history in forklift or reach truck operation
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work safely within a fast-paced environment
Mature with the capability to handle challenges
Good communication skills
Committed and reliable
Either F endorsement OR c
Labourer with Site Safe, EWP and Working At Heights
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff are chasing a few eager, hardworking labourers for a client based in Christchurch. The right person will be reliable, able to work full 8 hour days, and motivated to earn while operating as a team player.
You must have a clean MOJ and be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
You must also have a current Site Safe, EWP and WAH to be considered for this role.
What you will be doing:
Working across different sectors as a general labourer/dogsbody
Physically lifting materials arou
Roading Labourer - Nelson
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for a hard working and reliable person for fulltime roading work.
This is a Monday to Friday role, 7am - 4pm each day.
You will need to hold your full class 1 NZ driver licence and be able to drive a manual vehicle.
This role involves a significant amount of labouring and you will be working outdoors in all weather, so it is crucial you are physically fit and happy to work in the elements.
We will supply all necessary safety gear.
It is also essential you pass a pre-employmen
Hammerhands- Nelson based
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff are looking for fit, keen, energetic hammer hands for multiple positions in Nelson. Have no experience but would like to see if the role is for you? We want to hear from you. Apply online!
What we offer:
Competitive Pay
Ongoing training and support
PPE supplied
Requirements:
To have a good attitude and be willing to work hard
Be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
Have your own transport
Please apply online.
Apply Now
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