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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NZ Qualified Carpenters
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for experienced Carpenters that are organised and trustworthy individuals who pride themselves on quality workmanship.
You must be motivated and result driven.
The Carpenter is responsible for:
Measure and cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpen
Foreperson- Painting
City:
Bay of Plenty
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Foreperson Painter - Tauranga
Have you got painting experience and are ready for your next challenge?
OneStaff Tauranga is currently seeking a motivated and experienced Foreperson Painter to oversee and complete multiple projects in the Tauranga region. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is a competent painter and a proven leader, able to work to strict deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and supervise a team of painters on site
Plan and organise daily tasks to meet project
Mig Welder
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Looking for a role where your welding skills are valued? Our client is a Hamilton-based company with a reputation for quality and reliability. If you're passionate about precision and want to work on exciting projects, this is your chance!
What You'll Do:
MIG welding on mild steel components
Read and interpret technical drawings
Deliver strong, clean welds that meet high standards
Keep your workspace safe and tidy
What We're Looking For:
Proven MIG welding experience (mild steel)
Ability
Plumber
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
1/02/2026
Plumber / Drainlayer
Tradestaff Christchurch is seeking an experienced Plumber / Drainlayer to join our team.
This role is ideal for a qualified tradesperson who values job security, consistent work, and the support of an established recruitment partner.
Location: Christchurch
Pay rate: $40–$45 per hour (experience dependent)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm
Start: Immediate
What you’ll do:
Carry out plumbing and drainlaying maintenance across varied sites
Diagnose and repair drainage, sewer, and stormwater issues
Install, repair, and maintain pipework, fixtures, valves, and dra…..