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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Solar Estimator & Sales
City:
Napier / Hastings
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and technically minded Solar Estimator & Sales Specialist to join our dynamic team. This role combines solar system design, accurate estimating, and client engagement to deliver sustainable energy solutions across residential, commercial, and rural sectors. Reporting to the Sales Team Lead and Sales Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving growth in the renewable energy space while supporting successful project delivery.
If you enjoy variety, problem
Electrician
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
5 days ago
Fully Registered Electrician – Solar Farm Project (Waikato)
Tradestaff is looking for a fully registered NZ Electrician to work on a large-scale solar farm project in the Waikato. You’ll be overseeing teams of electrical Trade Assistants and General Labourers, managing timelines, and ensuring high-quality work on site.
What we’re looking for:
Fully Registered NZ Electrician – no exceptions
Experience working on utility-scale solar farms
Able to oversee and manage teams of Trade Assistants and General Labourers
Solid project management skills – keeping on top of deadlines, safety, and del…..
Skilled labourer - Afternoon shift
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is looking for skilled labourers who are keen and reliable, interested in a hands on manufacturing role. Any and all levels of building experience considered
The ideal candidates:
Is keen to upskill and train within the building industry
Has some basic experience with tools - not necessary but very advantageous
Have reliable transport to and from work
Can pass a drug test
Available to commit to afternoon shift
What's on offer:
Training and upskilling for the right people
Mond
Cabinet Maker/Joiner
City:
Palmerston North
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and qualified Cabinetmaker/Joiner to join a well-established joinery workshop in the Manawatu. This is a hands-on role focused on producing high-quality, custom cabinetry for both residential and commercial projects.
You'll be working from detailed plans and drawings, using a range of materials, tools, and machinery to deliver precision craftsmanship while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacture custom cabinetry t