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/Labourer
City:
Dunedin
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Forklift Operator
We are in search of an experienced Forklift operator to work in a temporary assignment (approx 2-3 months) starting asap. This role requires current OSH certificate, and ideally F endorsement, and the ability to slot straight in with a great team.
The environment is busy, and you will need to be available for an immediate start
About you:
Flexible and dependable with a strong work ethic
Physically fit and able, some labouring is required
Current Osh cert and ideally F end
Experienced Hammerhand Role
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are currently seeking an experienced Hammerhand to join our team based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
About the Role:
As an experienced Hammerhand, you will work alongside our skilled team of tradesmen to assist in various construction and building tasks.
Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to: assisting with framing, formwork, concrete work, and other general construction tasks.
You will be required to follow instructions from the site foreman, complete tasks efficiently
TIG Welder
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Join a fast-paced team working on high-precision fabrication projects. Must have strong TIG welding experience with stainless and aluminum. Great rates, steady hours, and a safety-first culture. In this role, you'll be working in a fast-paced environment, where precision and high-quality craftsmanship are a must.
Key Responsibilities:
Fabricate and weld components according to precision specifications
Conduct quality checks to ensure products meet industry standards
Collaborate with the team
Paver/Landscaper Wanted in Dunedin
City:
Dunedin
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
About the Role:
As a Paver/Landscaper, you will be responsible for installing and repairing pavers, as well as assisting with the construction and maintenance of various landscape projects.
You will work closely with a team of professionals, contributing to the successful completion of projects.
Tasks will include preparing surfaces, cutting and laying pavers, leveling and compacting surfaces, general labouring, and ensuring the overall quality and safety of the finished work.
This role is f