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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Experienced Landscaper
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We are looking for an experienced Landscaper with a range of landscaping and construction experience
You will need to have a minimum of 2 years experience in the industry
We need someone self motivated and able to work with minimum supervision
You will also need to be a team player
Additionally we require you to have your own transport to be able to get to work
This will be a temp to perm position for the right candidate
If you are interested in finding out more please apply now with a CV
Roofing Labourer
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
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
Labourers needed
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
16/02/2026
We’re looking for Labourers to join our team working on a range of construction and trade sites around Christchurch.
If you’ve got a current SiteSafe ticket, reliable transport, and you’re happy doing hands-on outdoor work, we want to hear from you!
No trade experience? No problem — we’ll get you up to speed.
What’s in it for you:
Immediate start available
Casual and full-time roles – ongoing work for the right people
Competitive hourly rates
Great team and supportive environment
Chance
Groundskeeper
City:
Otago / Southland
Job Type:
Contract
Date:
10/02/2026
Join Our Winning Team in Wanaka as a Groundskeeper!
This is a fantastic opportunity to work in and help elevate one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most breathtaking locations. Be part of a team dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the beauty of this iconic region, while enjoying the unique landscapes Wanaka has to offer.
Are you someone who likes an early start and early finish? Are you looking for weekend work? Then this role might be the perfect one for you. We are looking for our next groundskeeper to join the team. The working days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6am - 2:30pm. This is …..