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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Builders - Nelson
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for builders with any level of experience for long term work in Nelson
This is predominantly commercial work and you will be working with a fantastic friendly company
Whether you are an entry level builder or really experienced we would like to hear from you
You will need to have your own tools and transport, and a great work ethic
If you are keen to find out more please apply now
Apply Now
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Experienced Landscaper
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for an experienced Landscaper with a range of landscaping and construction experience
You will need to have a minimum of 2 years experience in the industry
We need someone self motivated and able to work with minimum supervision
You will also need to be a team player
Additionally we require you to have your own transport to be able to get to work
This will be a temp to perm position for the right candidate
If you are interested in finding out more please apply now with a CV
Toolmaker
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for an experienced Toolmaker to join the established Toolmaking team at Skellerup Industries. The successful candidate will be working in the fabrication and commissioning of machine components and tools for the manufacture of rubber products.
Skellerup Industries has a modern facility in Wigram and boasts over 150 injection moulding and extrusion machines, with in house tool and machine production.
Your role as a Toolmaker will involve:
Responsible for the ongoing maintenance
Joiner
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
We are looking for an experienced Joiner with strong attention to detail, and the ability to work at a good pace.
This will be a fulltime ongoing position for the right person.
Based in a factory environment on the South-West side of Christchurch, you will be responsible for constructing kitchens.
Hours will be
Monday to Friday
7.30am - 4.00pm
All tools and safety gear will be provided.
It is essential you have the following:
Minimum of 3 years experience working as a joiner
Reliable tr