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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Work & Live in NZ - Rotorua & Taupo
City:
Waikato
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
about 1 month ago
Looking for work whilist you are based in Rotorua or Taupo and traveling NZ? Tradestaff can help!
We have a wide range of roles on offer and all you need to do is Apply Now and we will be in touch to talk further about your skills and help find your next role!
Tradestaff offers
Competitive pay rates, paid weekly
Short & long term work options to suit your needs
Variety of roles on offer to best suit your skills
Work with your mates, we have multiple roles
With branches dotted all over the country, we offer a unique opportunity to work anywhere in New Zealand while exploring its natural …..
Painters Wanted - Whangarei
City:
Northland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for five experienced Painters to join our business, Extrastaff Limited. Our growing business requires organised and trustworthy individuals who pride themselves on quality workmanship. You must be motivated and result driven. You might be asked to work across the country to assist with our projects, so flexibility on work locations is preferred.
The Painter is responsible for:
Read blueprints/instructions and examine surfaces to determine the kind and amount of work necessary
M
Industrial Tool Service & Repair Technician
City:
Hamilton
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Are you a skilled technician with a knack for fixing and fine-tuning industrial equipment?
We're on the lookout for a motivated Industrial Tool Service & Repair Technician to join our client's experienced team.
About the Role
You'll be responsible for the service, repair, and maintenance of industrial tools and equipment.
This hands-on role involves diagnosing faults, carrying out electrical repairs, and ensuring every tool leaves the workshop performing at its best.
Key Responsibilities
D
Qualified Carpenters Wanted!
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
About the Role:
We are on the lookout for passionate and skilled Qualified Carpenters to join our dynamic team in Christchurch. Permanent positions are available in a variety of projects ranging from residential housing to large-scale commercial developments. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of inspirational projects that contribute to shaping the landscape of our communities.
Key Responsibilities:
Reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings
Executing carpentry task