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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Water Reticulation / Pipe Layer
City:
South Island
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Fulltime work available in Queenstown for someone experienced in pipe laying and water reticulation
You will need:
Knowledge in pipe laying and water reticulation
Experience in Civil Construction
Happy to be involved in general labouring duties
Knowledge in repairing water mains house connections
What we can offer you:
Fulltime work
Great company culture
Competitive pay rate (based on your experience)
PPE supplied
If you would like to know more please call Isaac on 021 865 291 or appl
Factory Forklift Operator
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is a manufacturer of insulated panels & fire rated panel systems, seeking a Forklift Operator/Labourer to join their factory team for an immediate start, based in Hornby.
This is a night shift role, Monday to Friday from 10.00pm-6.00am.
$25.00p/h + overtime rates, shift allowances and meal allowances.
Applicants need:
Current OSH certificate, with at least 1 years' experience
Own reliable transport
To follow instructions well and work safely as part of a team
To be fit and capa
Experienced Bricklayer
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for an experienced bricklayer for work around the Selwyn and Christchurch area.
Ideally you will have:
Minimum of one year trade experience
Your own tools
Own reliable transport
Agreement to pass a pre-employment drug test
Physical fitness
Strong work ethic
If this sounds like you, please apply online or call Cam on 0800 662511.
Apply Now
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Concrete Placer/Finisher
City:
Palmerston North
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
We're looking for an experienced Concrete Placer and Finisher to join a busy concrete operation based in Longburn, Palmerston North. This will aim to help the companies strong workflow forecast for the New Year, starting late January.
You'll be part of a small, tight-knit crew working on a variety of residential, commercial, rural, and decorative concrete projects, with concrete manufactured onsite.
The Role
Concrete placing, finishing, and general hands-on concrete work
Working in an outdoo