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.
Experienced Digger Operator
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
We are looking for an experienced Digger Operator to join our team in Christchurch.
You must:
Be able to work unsupervised
Know how to read and interpret plans to set heights on site
Know how to achieve a 95% NDM test
Be able to prep a sub base within 10mm.
If this sounds like you, please apply online
Apply Now
Share
Class A Asbestos Removal- Temp Contract
City:
Christchurch
Job Type:
Casual / Temporary / Contract
Date:
19/01/2026
A temporary role has become available for a Christchurch bases Class A asbestos removal role.
We are looking for somoeone who has:
A good attitude to work as part of a team,
A full class 1 licence would be ideal, but candidates with restrrcited licences will be considered.
A and B asbestos removal tickets
Ability to pass a pre-emplyment drug test screening
Mask fit test
What's in it for you:
A competitive hourly rate
PPE, clothing, and mask supplied if required
At Extrastaff, safety is
HVAC Technician
City:
Auckland
Job Type:
Permanent / Full Time
Date:
19/01/2026
Our client is looking for HVAC technicians for a 1 to 3 month project based around Sydney & the wider New South Wales region. Relocation assistance provided
Benefits
Rates starting at $50 AUD ph - negotiable on experience
Flights to Sydney paid
Assistance with finding accommodation
Assistance with obtaining Arctick Licence & White/Green Card
Project based. 1 - 3 months, with the opportunity for ongoing projects for 2026
The Role:
Installation of small, medium & large residential and comm
Deck-Hand
City:
Tauranga
Job Type:
Temporary
Date:
5 days ago
We’re looking for a reliable and hard-working Deckhand to join a small barge operation based in Omokoroa. This is a hands-on role perfect for someone local who enjoys working outdoors, dealing with the public, and being part of a close-knit team.
Location: Omokoroa, Tauranga
Start date: Immediate start
Pay rate: $25 per hour (paid weekly)
Your day will include loading and unloading vehicles onto the barge, taking fares, and keeping basic written records. If you're physically fit, customer-friendly, and ready to jump straight in, we want to hear from you.
To be successful in this role, you…..