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:
-
Automotive trades
-
Labourers
-
Building trades
-
Technicians
-
Welders & Boilermakers
-
Carpentry & Cabinet Making
-
Cleaning Services
-
Fitters, Turners & Machinists
-
Gardening & Landscaping
-
Hair & Beauty Services
-
Nannies & Babysitters
-
Locksmiths
-
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.
-
Automotive Electrician
-
Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
-
Electrician (General)
-
Electric Line Mechanic
-
Baker
-
Bricklayer
-
Carpenter
-
Carpenter and Joiner
-
Composite Technician
-
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
-
Fibrous Plasterer
-
Floor Finisher
-
Glazier
-
Joiner
-
Metal Casting Trades Worker (Foundry Moulder)
-
Metal Fabricator
-
Metal Machinist (First Class) (CNC Machinist)
-
Motor Mechanic (General)
-
Motor Mechanic (General) (Automotive Air Conditioning Technician)
-
Panel Beater
-
Plastics Technician
-
Plastics Engineer
-
Roof Tiler
-
Roof Plumber
-
Scaffolder
-
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
-
Solid Plasterer
-
Stonemason
-
Vehicle Painter
Featured Jobs
There are no Jobs available with your search criteria
Please try with another Job Sector or City
Or Check for spelling mistakes.
Waterproofer - Relocate to Melbourne
City:
Australia
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
Work in Melbourne - Earn Big - Travel and Accommodation Paid - Apply Now!
Top pay from $40+ p/hr – earn big while working on a high-profile Aussie project
All relocation costs covered – flights, transfers, and accommodation sorted
September start – move end of August and hit the ground running
ExtraStaff is urgently hiring skilled waterproofers specializing in epoxy and tanking systems for a high-end project in Melbourne due to kick-off in September 2025. If you’re a motivated New Zealand tr
Engineering Trade Assistant
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
We're working with several leading engineering and manufacturing companies across Christchurch who are looking for motivated people to join their teams in assembly, fabrication, fitting, machining, and workshop support.
Apply now and let us help you build a career in mechanical engineering.
Benefits:
Short or long term work with potential temp-to-permanent opportunities
Learn new skills and gain mechanical or fabrication experience
Great team culture and supportive environments
Potential t
Welder
City:
Waikato
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
What’s in it for you:
Competitive pay reflective of your experience and leadership ability
Work-Life Balance
Permanent full-time role with an established and reputable company
A great team culture in a supportive environment
A mix of hands-on welding, team leadership and light office-based coordination work
About the Role:
You’ll be welding and fabricating to a high standard across a range of projects, while also helping lead a small team. Your ability to train, supervise, and coordinate
Experienced Membrane Roofer
City:
Dunedin
Job Type:
Permanent
Date:
14/11/2025
We're seeking an experienced Membrane Roofer to join my clients skilled and friendly Dunedin-based team in a permanent capacity. In this role, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality waterproofing and membrane roofing work safely, efficiently, and to a consistently high standard. You'll take pride in your workmanship, enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, and help uphold the company's strong reputation for excellence.