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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Interior Plasterer Wanted
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are a leading interior design business, specializing in creating cozy homes and artistic commercial spaces.
Responsibilities
Apply plaster to the interiors of buildings
Work with designers to determine the final finishes
Create decorative and practical plastering effects
Understand and abide by NZ safety regulations
Qualifications
At least 2 years of experience as a plasterer
Ability to work with various plastering tools and materials
Capable of working in a team, as well as independ
Painters needed- Christchurch
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are seeking skilled painters capable of producing high quality work for various projects. Experience with residential or commercial painting is an advantage.
What we can offer you;
- Competitive pay rates
- Ongoing work all over Christchurch!
- Full PPE provided and assistance with any training courses or certificates required
- Working for a company who provides ongoing support in your career
Our ideal candidate;
- Has a fantastic eye for detail!
- Ability to work unsupervised and as
Welders Wanted throughout New Zealand
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for experienced Welders to join our business, Extrastaff Limited. Our growing business requires organised and trustworthy individuals who pride themselves on quality workmanship. You must be motivated and result driven.
You might be asked to work across the country to assist our projects, so flexibility on work locations is preferred
Skills and experience required:
Preferably 1+ years’ experience in welding or relevant occupation OR relevant qualification, but not compulsory. W
Forklift Driver - Wellington
City:
Wellington
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Calling Forklift drivers in Wellington
Are you looking for a job with a great company with a well known name? Then apply today!
What we can offer:
Great company to work for
Monday to Friday work
PPE supplied
Help with ongoing training if required
Qualifications:
F and OSH certificate
Minimum 1 years experience
Pass a drug test
Apply today
Apply Now
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