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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Roofing Labourer
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is looking for a labourer in the roofing industry, with the options to advance to full Roofer trade employment for the right candidate.
Ideally you will have some knowledge of tools, be physically fit, happy to work at heights and be reliable, hardworking and keen to get involved with a great team of people.
Roofing experience is preferable but full training will be provided for the right candidate, with the opportunity to advance into a Roofing career.
If this role sounds like it
Scaffolders Wanted In Auckland
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
We're on the lookout for experienced and reliable Scaffolders to join our crew on a temporary contract. If you know your way around tubes, boards, and towers - we want to hear from you!
???? Location: Various sites across Auckland
???? Contract Type: Temporary (with potential for ongoing work)
???? Pay Rate: Competitive - based on experience
???? Start Date: ASAP
What you'll be doing:
Erecting, altering, and dismantling scaffolding systems on residential and commercial construction sites
Hammerhand
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are seeking an experienced, hard working Hammerhand for a fulltime ongoing role in Timaru.
This position is an indoor factory based position assembling pre-nail frames and trusses to go out to the building industry.
Enjoy a site where you will not be rained off!
The hours for this role are:
Monday to Friday
40 hours per week
What is in it for you:
Weekly pay
Option for overtime during busy periods
Training and support
Temp to Perm opportunity
Strong pipeline of work to keep you bus
Drainlayer
City:
Napier / Hastings
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
5 days ago
Drainlayer/Plumber
We’re looking for a qualified Drainlayer/Plumber to take charge of drainage and water reticulation work across varied civil construction sites in Hawke’s Bay.
Installs, repairs, and maintains underground pipe systems for wastewater and stormwater, ensuring proper flow for homes, businesses, and developments, working with pipes, septic systems, and managing council compliance for crucial public health and environmental protection
This role offers a great mix of hands-on work and leadership responsibilities—
Location: Various sites across Hawke's Bay
Start date: 19th Janu…..