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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Building apprentice
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Our clients are looking for skilled and experienced building apprentice's, 1st or 2nd year, to join their busy team. They are looking for someone committed to the team and keen to continue upskilling
The ideal candidate;
Has proven building experience
Up to date bookwork of apprenticeship
Skilled with a range of relevant tools
Own tool kit
What's on offer;
Full time ongoing projects
Upskilling and training, these clients are looking for long term staff to invest time and effort into
Com
Forklift/Loader Driver
City:
Palmerston North
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
We're seeking an experienced Loader & Forklift Driver to assist with essential yard operations in Palmerston North. This is a temporary opportunity covering annual leave, with the potential for further work depending on operational needs.
The Role
You'll play a key role in keeping yard operations running smoothly.
Duties include:
Operating loaders and forklifts to load trucks with metal and other materials
Moving and organising products throughout the yard
Assisting with general labouring
Hammerhands wanted in Christchurch
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Extrastaff are looking for fit, keen, energetic hammer hands for multiple positions across Christchurch. Have no experience but would like to see if the role is for you? We want to hear from you. Apply online!
What we offer:
Competitive Pay
Ongoing training and support
PPE supplied
Requirements:
To have a good attitude and be willing to work hard
Be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
Have your own transport
Please apply online.
Apply Now
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Civil - Truck Drivers/ Drainlayers
City:
Dunedin
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We're looking for a variety of people experienced in roading, whether that's as an
operator/truck driver or drainlayer.
Operators must have proven skill in final trim and experience final trimming for roads,
footpaths, kerb prep amongst other things. As this is roading, you must have WTR to be considered.
Truck Drivers - Class 4 and 5, with some labouring as required. Road ranger experience is a MUST, and you will be put to the test in hilly areas. These roles will be operating tip trucks, a