Coming to New Zealand for construction work
Move to NZ as a Skilled Tradesperson
New Zealand is short of skilled trades, and the work is real. If you're a carpenter, dogman, machine operator or traffic controller thinking about the move, this page covers what you need: which visa fits you, how an accredited employer backs your application, the roles that lead to residence, what you'll earn, and what your first fortnight looks like.
BetterTrade is an accredited employer. We place migrant tradespeople onto sites across Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury and Otago, and we handle the process end to end.
You need the right to work here: citizen, resident, or a valid work visa such as the AEWV.
Most trades come in on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which needs an accredited employer behind the job. That's us.
Some roles sit on the Green List and lead to residence.
Sort your IRD number and bank account in week one, and your Site Safe passport before you start.
Can you legally work in New Zealand?
To work here you need to be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or hold a valid work visa. From overseas, three routes cover most tradies:
Accredited Employer
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): for skilled or experienced tradies with a job offer from an accredited employer. Up to 5 years, and can lead to residence for eligible higher-paid or Green List roles.
Green List
Green List (Straight to Residence / Work to Residence): for in-demand roles. Comes with, or leads to, residence.
The right route usually depends on the job itself, so talk to us early. We place these roles every week and we'll tell you what fits your trade.
What an accredited employer does for you
The AEWV has a catch that trips people up: you can't apply on your own. The employer has to be accredited by Immigration New Zealand, and the specific job has to pass a check before your visa goes ahead.
BetterTrade is accredited. The jobs we place are real jobs that can support an AEWV, and we run the employer side for you: the job offer, the job check, and the paperwork that sits behind your visa. You focus on getting here and getting on site.
The Green List: roles that lead to residence
New Zealand keeps a Green List of occupations it's short of. If your role is on it, your path to living here permanently is faster and clearer. There are two tiers:
Straight to Residence
Apply for residence right away if you meet the role's requirements.
Work to Residence
Work in the role for a set period, then apply.
The Green List covers qualified and supervisory roles such as site and project managers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers and surveyors, and it's reviewed regularly. Tell us your occupation and we'll tell you where it sits and how to use it.
Your journey from overseas to your first site
Get your CV ready
List your qualifications, years on the tools, and any training certificates.
Apply through BetterTrade
We match your trade to live site work.
Job offer and job check
We confirm the role, pay and hours, and pass the Immigration check.
Lodge your visa
You apply for the AEWV with the job behind it, and we support every step.
Book flights and first accommodation
Arrive and settle in
IRD number, bank account, SIM, transport (checklist below).
Site Safe passport and inductions
Sorted before you start.
First day on site
You're earning.
What you'll earn
on the tools
Pay depends on your trade, tickets and experience. Typical hourly rates before tax:
Labourer / hammer hand
Traffic controller (with STMS)
Carpenter
Machine operator
Dogman / rigger
Pay is weekly or fortnightly through PAYE, so tax comes out before you're paid.
Your first two weeks: the checklist that Better Trade will assist you with:
IRD number: your tax number.
NZ bank account: needed for your pay and your IRD number.
Local SIM.
Site Safe Foundation Passport: the standard site safety induction.
Transport: public transport is limited outside the main centres, so most tradies get a vehicle which we can assist you with.
Accommodation: we help you line up your first few weeks.
What to expect
on a NZ site
New Zealand takes site safety seriously. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 puts real duties on everyone on site, and you'll go through inductions before you start. Expect PPE to be provided, daily pre-starts, and a clear "speak up if it's not safe" culture.
The work culture is direct and low on hierarchy. People use first names, muck in together, and expect you to do the same.
How BetterTrade supports you
We don't place you and disappear. As your accredited employer we run the visa-side paperwork, arrange your Site Safe passport, help you set up your IRD number and bank account, and help you line up your first accommodation.
You get one point of contact who knows your situation, your visa timeline and your site, from the day you apply to the day you start.
Ready to start? Browse our current roles or get in touch and tell us your trade. We'll tell you what's possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in New Zealand construction without residency?
Yes. You don't need residency, but you do need a valid work visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or a Working Holiday Visa. Citizens and residents can work without one. The right visa usually depends on the job offer.
What is an accredited employer, and why does it matter?
An accredited employer is approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire migrant workers on the AEWV. It matters because you can't get an AEWV without one behind the job. BetterTrade is accredited, so the roles we place can support your visa.
Which construction roles are on the New Zealand Green List?
The Green List covers qualified and supervisory roles like site and project managers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers and surveyors. It's reviewed regularly. Tell us your occupation and we'll tell you where it sits.
How much do tradies earn in New Zealand?
It varies by trade and experience. Labourers start around $25-$28 an hour, and skilled carpenters, operators and riggers sit in the $27.50-$35 range before tax. Pay is weekly through PAYE, so tax is deducted before you're paid.
Let’s Build Your Future Together
Connect with us to discuss how we can support your next construction project effectively.
