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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Roading Labourer - Nelson
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for a hard working and reliable person for fulltime roading work.
This is a Monday to Friday role, 7am - 4pm each day.
You will need to hold your full class 1 NZ driver licence and be able to drive a manual vehicle.
This role involves a significant amount of labouring and you will be working outdoors in all weather, so it is crucial you are physically fit and happy to work in the elements.
We will supply all necessary safety gear.
It is also essential you pass a pre-employmen
Carpenters
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
Onestaff are seeking trade qualified and experienced Carpenters to join our team for largely commercial construction work based in Christchurch and the greater Christchurch area.
What we are looking for:
Trade Qualification in Carpentry
Experience working from foundations to finish on high-detail projects
High-quality workmanship (with references that can verify this)
Reliability
Ability work in teams and independently
What's on Offer
Pay rates between $30-35 per hour and paid weekly
Ho
Asbestos Workers Wanted!
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
Calling all competent Asbestos Workers.
Our client is seeking individuals who hold class B Asbestos ticket, not able to work November2nd/ 3rd (Saturday & Sunday) this will be 10-hour shifts starting from 7am.
What you will be doing:
Vacuum cleaning
Washing membrane
Must have:
Asbestos ticket class B
Be able to pass a drug screen
Clean police record
What's in it for you:
PPE Provided
Competitive hourly rate
Great company
If this sounds like something that interests you, please email
Registered Electricians - Expression of Interest
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for qualified Electricians for upcoming work in Auckland.
Details:
Rates: $36 - $40 per hour (negotiable based on experience)
Hours: Dayshift, flexibility around start and finish times
Industrial experience is a bonus
To be successful, you must:
Be a qualified & NZ-registered electrician
Pass a Ministry of Justice criminal background check
Clear a pre-employment drug test
Provide two contactable work references
Apply now with your current CV
Apply Now
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