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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Painters Needed- Dunedin
City:
Dunedin
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 Dunedin!
- 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 part
Electrical Trades Assistant
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Our Auckland based company requires an Electrical Trades Assistant for an immediate start.
Your Responsibilities will include:
Assisting in troubleshooting electrical issues
Performing repairs as needed
Assisting electricians and other tradespeople with installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment.
If this sounds like you, please apply online today!
Apply Now
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Carpenters
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Onestaff has clients who need TQ Carpenters ASAP for work all over Christchurch.
If you are looking to fill a gap we could have the work for you.
From building decks, to boxing and framing and fit outs our clients are busy!
We are looking for
Trade Qualified (equivalent) Carpenters
Proven work experience
First class attention to detail
Ability to work in small teams
Working with Onestaff you are paid weekly, we provide the PPE and can help out with Site Safe.
Apply online now
Apply Now
Waterproofers Wanted in Invercargill
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for experienced Waterproofers to join our business, Extrastaff Limited.
The Waterproofer is responsible for:
Knowledge of Waterproofing membrane detailing/installation.
Knowledge of Steel reinforcing spacing and installation/layout.
Ability / Experience with work site inspections regarding project progress, equipment condition, and safety or to ensure that specifications and standards are met.
Provide assistance to workers engaged in construction or tanking/waterproofing acti