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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Frame and Truss- Christchurch
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff are seeking a hardworking, experienced frame and truss workers for multiple clients in Christchurch. Hammerhands with the right attitude and skillset will similarly be considered. You will be clean cut, reliable, and motivated with a clear MOJ and the ability to pass a Drug test.
What's in it for you:
Be part of an excellent, down-to-earth, and motivated team
Superb support from management both on site and back of house
Strong pipeline of work to keep you busy
Great hourly rate d
Experienced Spray Painter Wanted
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Spray Painter to join our talented team on a temporary basis, which may evolve into long term work for the right applicant. This role involves working within a highly skilled team environment to produce top-notch finishes on a variety of projects. If you take pride in your work and are looking for an opportunity to showcase your skills, then this is the job for you!
Key Responsibilities:
Preparing surfaces for painting, ensuring they are clean and
Carpenter- Nelson
City:
Tasman / Marlborough
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff are seeking hardworking, reliable carpenters for a client in Nelson. We are interested in speaking to individuals with the right attitude and skillset. To be considered, you will be clean cut, reliable, and motivated.
You must have a clean MOJ and be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
What's in it for you:
Exposure to residential & commercial projects
Be part of an excellent, down-to-earth, and motivated team who will keep you right
Weekly pay
Superb support from managemen
Fire Alarm Technician
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Are you an experienced Electronics Technician looking for a new challenge? We seeking a skilled Fire Alarm Technician to join our team in Christchurch, NZ.
About the Role:
As a Fire Alarm Technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing fire alarm and sprinkler systems across various commercial and residential properties.
You will work closely with our clients to ensure that their fire safety systems are functioning efficiently and in compliance with safety regul