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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Mechanical Fitter
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is a world renowned marine engineering firm who currently require a mechanical fitter for an immediate start.
Key tasks:
Reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
Fitting marine propulsion systems
Working to tight deadlines
Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.
Skills & Attributes:
Minimum 3 years Fitting experience.
Trade qualification is an advantage
Reliable and hardworking
Can provide x2 relevant work references
What we offe
Frame and Truss
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for skilled and motivated individuals to join our team as Frame and Truss workers. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a permanent role in the construction industry.
Job Responsibilities:
Assembling and installing wooden frames and trusses for various construction projects
Reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings
Operating hand and power tools safely and efficiently
Ensuring all work is completed to high quality standards
Adhering to hea
Carpenter- Invercargill
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff are seeking hardworking, reliable carpenters for a client in Invercargill. 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 man
Civil Operative
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
11 days ago
Civil Operator – Christchurch
We’re looking for a skilled civil operator to join a hard-working crew on a range of infrastructure projects across North Christchurch. You’ll be operating a variety of machines on trenching, drainage, and pipeline installs — with the chance to work on long-term projects in a supportive, safety-focused environment. If you’re experienced, motivated, and ready to get on site, we want to hear from you.
Location: North Christchurch
Start date: Immediate start available
Pay rate: $30–35 per hour (paid weekly)
What you’ll be doing:
Operating civil machinery includ…..