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:
-
Automotive trades
-
Labourers
-
Building trades
-
Technicians
-
Welders & Boilermakers
-
Carpentry & Cabinet Making
-
Cleaning Services
-
Fitters, Turners & Machinists
-
Gardening & Landscaping
-
Hair & Beauty Services
-
Nannies & Babysitters
-
Locksmiths
-
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.
-
Automotive Electrician
-
Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
-
Electrician (General)
-
Electric Line Mechanic
-
Baker
-
Bricklayer
-
Carpenter
-
Carpenter and Joiner
-
Composite Technician
-
Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
-
Fibrous Plasterer
-
Floor Finisher
-
Glazier
-
Joiner
-
Metal Casting Trades Worker (Foundry Moulder)
-
Metal Fabricator
-
Metal Machinist (First Class) (CNC Machinist)
-
Motor Mechanic (General)
-
Motor Mechanic (General) (Automotive Air Conditioning Technician)
-
Panel Beater
-
Plastics Technician
-
Plastics Engineer
-
Roof Tiler
-
Roof Plumber
-
Scaffolder
-
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
-
Solid Plasterer
-
Stonemason
-
Vehicle Painter
Featured Jobs
There are no Jobs available with your search criteria
Please try with another Job Sector or City
Or Check for spelling mistakes.
Forklift driver
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
About the Role:
We’re looking for a Forklift Operator to join a busy warehouse team. You’ll be moving stock, loading and unloading trucks, and helping keep things running smoothly. If you’re reliable, safety-focused, and confident on the forks —- we want to hear from you!
What You’ll Do:
Operate forklifts to move and store goods
Load/unload trucks and containers
Follow all health and safety procedures
What You’ll Need:
Valid Forklift Licence
A good attitude and strong work ethic
Physica
JOBS FOR YOU!
City:
Napier / Hastings
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Exciting Job Opportunities in Hawkes Bay - Join Us!
Are you looking for a fresh start or a new career opportunity? Whether you're currently out of work or considering a change from your current position, we have multiple roles available across a variety of industries in the beautiful Hawkes Bay region. Whether you're seeking full-time, ongoing work or flexible temporary roles, we want to hear from you! Come and register with OneStaff so we can contact you with the work you are looking for.
Wha
Plumber – Work & Live in New Zealand
City:
All New Zealand
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
Ready to take your plumbing career to New Zealand? We’re looking for qualified plumbers to join projects across the country. Whether you're after coastal living, mountain views, or city life, NZ offers rewarding work and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
Location: Various sites across New Zealand
Start date: Get in touch today to start your journey to NZ for 2026
Pay rate: Competitive rates offered – based on experience
We have residential and commercial roles available nationwide, with typical duties including:
Installation of water, drainage, and gas systems
Maintenance, repair, and tes…..
Suspended Ceiling Specialist
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are seeking a reliable and hard working suspended ceiling installer.
This is a fulltime ongoing role commencing immediately for the right person.
It is essential you meet the following criteria:
Be able to set out and install suspended ceilings
Be able to work within a team
Be able to understand and read plans
Follow instructions
Follow health and safety at all time
Have a current Site Safe
Have a minimum restricted licence and reliable transport
Be able to problem solve
Have own t