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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Forklift Operator
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Be part of a New Zealand manufacturer producing high-quality geosynthetic products for construction and infrastructure projects. Based in Rolleston - we're seeking a reliable, hands-on team member to support production operations. Role includes forklift operation, manufacturing concrete blocks, heavy physical labouring with power tool use and general warehousing duties.
Hours of work: Monday to Friday from 7.00am-5.00pm.
Daily duties will include:
Forklift operating (F+OSH required)
Manufact
Qualified painter
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Looking for qualified painters.
Residential and light commercial work.
Need to have interior and exterior experience
Must have own tools and transport
Full time work
Apply Now
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Skilled Hammerhands - Wanaka
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
We are seeking skilled Hammerhands for a variety of projects in Wanaka - both short and long term options available
This is the perfect opportunity for motivated individuals who are looking to advance their careers and gain hands-on experience in a thriving sector
As a Hammerhand, you will play an essential role in assisting carpenters and working across a variety of construction projects
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist with the construction, assembly, and installation of wooden structures, f
Carpenters - Invercargill
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for experienced Carpenters to join Extrastaff
Our growing business requires organised and trustworthy individuals who pride themselves on quality workmanship. You must be motivated and results driven
Skills and experience required:
2+ years relevant experience in carpentry OR relevant qualification is preferred
Good time management and an excellent work ethic
A commitment to learning and developing your skills within the industry
Sound knowledge of Health and Safety
Reliabl