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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Yardman/Detailer
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
14/11/2025
This is a great entry level role for someone fit and able.
Our client requires someone who has an eye for detail and the ability to make their gear look brand new!
The role:
Waterblasting, degreasing and interior detailing of heavy machinery
Moving machinery around the yard
Driving to suppliers to pick up parts
Basic maintenance and repairs
General housekeeping
Requirements:
Reliable
Experienced in car grooming/detailing
Happy working outdoors in all weather
Fit and healthy (some hea
Crate Washer
City:
Palmerston North
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
The Role:
As a Machine Operator, you'll be part of a small, supportive team responsible for running a large sanitation machine. Key tasks include feeding crates into the machine, inspecting them, and palletising them once clean. It is very repetitive and physically demanding role.
Key Responsibilities:
Unstack crates from pallets and prepare them for sanitising
Inspect crates for damage and remove any branding or price labels
Remove cleaned crates from the conveyor and stack them onto palle
Electrician – Work & Live in New Zealand
City:
All New Zealand
Job Type:
Full Time
Date:
Thinking about taking your electrical career overseas? We’re on the lookout for qualified electricians to join projects across New Zealand. From thriving cities to laid-back coastal towns, NZ offers not just rewarding work — but a lifestyle that’s second to none.
Location: Various sites across New Zealand
Start date: Get in touch today to start your journey to NZ for 2026
Pay rate: Competitive rates offered – based on experience
We have a wide range of roles available in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, with duties including:
Installing and maintaining electrical systems …..
Construction Labourers
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
14/11/2025
The Role
You'll be working on a range of construction projects including residential builds, commercial developments, and civil sites. You'll need to be alert, take direction well, and have the initiative to get stuck in. We want people who aren't afraid of hard work and know how to hold their own on a busy work site. If you're reliable, committed, and eager to grow - this is a great opportunity to prove yourself.
Assisting tradespeople and site managers with daily tasks
Carrying out general