This is the updated NZ Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List, current as of 27 May 2019. To see the Australian Skilled Occupation List click here.
The below list is relevant for the following visas:
Occupational Group | Occupation and ANZSCO Number | Required standard for work visa applicants with an offer of employment
Qualifications must be comparable to the standard of the New Zealand qualification listed. Also see Note 1 at the end of this list. |
Region |
Construction | Construction Project Manager (Foreman) (Roading and Infrastructure) | A minimum of five years’ experience in building or maintaining roads
AND staff management experience AND appropriate driver licence |
All regions |
Construction | Project Builder (including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman) (133112) | One of the following qualifications:
– A bachelor’s degree at NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification with the minimum equivalent of 360 credits, which includes the requirements of a New Zealand major in quantity surveying or construction economics – A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification, which includes the knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Graduate Diploma in the focus areas of construction, construction management or construction project management – A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, with the minimum equivalent of 240 credits, which includes the knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Diploma (Level 6) in the focus areas of quantity surveying, construction economics, construction management or building AND a minimum of three years’ relevant post- qualification work experience |
Canterbury* |
Construction | Surveyor (232212) | One of the following:
– Bachelor of Surveying (NZQF Level 7) – Bachelor of Surveying with Honours (NZQF Level 8) – Registration as a Professional Surveyor with the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors – Professional Associate Membership or an Overseas Member of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors (with an overseas degree approved by NZIS) |
Canterbury* |
Engineering | Civil Engineer (233211) | One of the following:
– A Washington Accord accredited (initial) engineering degree (listed – see Note 3) – A Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (NZQF Level 8) – A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand – NZ registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer by Engineering New Zealand |
Canterbury* |
Engineering | Structural Engineer (233214) | One of the following:
– A Washington Accord accredited (initial) engineering degree (listed – see Note 3) – A Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (NZQF Level 8) – A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand – NZ registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer by Engineering New Zealand. |
Canterbury* |
Engineering | Electrical Engineer (233311) | One of the following:
– A Washington Accord accredited (initial) engineering degree (listed – see Note 3) – A Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (NZQF Level 8) – A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand – NZ registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer by Engineering New Zealand |
Canterbury* |
Telecommunications | Telecommunications Engineer (263311) | One of the following:
– Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Computer Engineering) or (Computer and Electronic Engineering) or (Computer Systems Engineering) or (Electronic Engineering) or (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) or (Electronics and Communication Engineering) or (Electronics and Computer Engineering) or (Electronic/s and Computer Systems Engineering) or (Network Engineering) (NZQF Level 8) – A Washington Accord or Sydney Accord accredited undergraduate (initial) engineering degree (listed – see note 3) – A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand – NZ registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer or as an Engineering Technologist by Engineering New Zealand AND a minimum of three years’ relevant post- qualification work experience |
Canterbury* |
Construction | Building Associate (312112) | New Zealand Certificate of Carpentry (Level 4) or higher
AND the New Zealand Certificate in Construction Related Trades (Supervisor) (Level 4) AND a minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience. |
Northland, Auckland |
Construction | Building Inspector | One of the following qualifications:
– A bachelor’s degree at NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification with the minimum equivalent of 360 credits, which includes the requirements of a New Zealand major in quantity surveying or construction economics – A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification, which includes the knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Graduate Diploma in the focus areas of construction, construction management, or construction project management – A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Diploma (Level 6) in the focus areas of building surveying, architectural technology, construction management, or quantity surveying AND a minimum of two years’ relevant post- qualification work experience |
All regions |
Construction | Surveying Technician (Spatial Science Technician/Land Surveyor’s Technician) (312116) | One of the following:
– A New Zealand Bachelor of Surveying (NZQF Level 7) – A New Zealand Bachelor of Surveying with Honours (NZQF Level 8) – A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Diploma in Surveying (Level 6) – Professional Associate Membership of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors AND a minimum of two years’ relevant post– qualification work experience |
All regions |
Construction | Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (Building Information Modelling Professional) (312116) | A bachelor’s degree at NZQF Level 7, or a higher qualification with the minimum equivalent of 360 credits, which includes the requirements of a New Zealand major in the focus areas of architecture, construction management or engineering
AND a minimum of five years’ work experience in the construction industry including at least two years in Building Information Modelling related positions |
All regions |
Construction | Surveying Technician (Spatial Science Technician/ Hydrographic Technician) (312116) | One of the following:
– A New Zealand Bachelor of Surveying (NZQF Level 7) – A New Zealand Bachelor of Surveying with Honours (NZQF Level 8) – A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Diploma in Surveying (Level 6) – Professional Associate Membership of the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors |
Northland, Auckland |
Engineering | Civil Engineering Draughtsperson (312211) | A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand
Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6) |
All regions |
Engineering | Civil Engineering Technician (312212) | One of the following:
– Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering) (NZQF Level 7) – A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, with the minimum equivalent of 240 credits, which includes the knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) (Level 6) – A Washington Accord or Sydney Accord accredited undergraduate (initial) engineering degree in Civil Engineering (listed – see Note 3) – A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer status in New Zealand – NZ registration in the field of Civil Engineering as a Chartered Professional Engineer or as an Engineering Technologist by Engineering New Zealand AND a minimum of three years’ work experience including a minimum of 12 months’ relevant post- qualification work experience in the past 18 months |
Canterbury* |
Engineering | Electrical Engineering Draughtsperson | A diploma at NZQF Level 6, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand
Diploma in Engineering (Electrical) (Level 6) |
All regions |
Engineering | Electrical Engineering Technician (312312) | One of the following:
– Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with Honours (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (NZQF Level 8) – Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical Engineering) (NZQF Level 7) – Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (NZQF Level 7) – A Washington Accord or Sydney Accord accredited undergraduate (initial) engineering degree in Electrical Engineering (listed – see Note 3) – A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand – NZ registration in the field of Electrical Engineering as a Chartered Professional Engineer or as an Engineering Technologist by Engineering New Zealand AND a minimum of three years’ relevant post- qualification work experience |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Metal Fabricator (322311) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4)
OR a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Welder (322313) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4)
OR a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Fitter-Welder (323213) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Engineering Fabrication (Trade) (Level 4)
OR a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Bricklayer (331111) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the Brick and Block Laying strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades (Level 4)
AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the Bricklaying and Blocklaying Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW done within the scope of a Bricklaying and Blocklaying Licence Class OR the duties of the Bricklayer will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council: A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand may be accepted in place of a certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the Brick and Block Laying strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades (Level 4). |
Northland, Auckland, Canterbury* |
Trades | Stonemason (331112) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one of the strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry (Level 4)
Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council: A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand may be accepted in place of certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one of the strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Stonemasonry (Level 4). |
Northland, Auckland |
Trades | Carpenter and Joiner (331211) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (NZQF Level 4)
AND A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4) AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the Carpentry Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of the Carpentry Licence Class OR the duties of the Carpenter will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council: A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand may be accepted in place of having the two qualifications referred to above. |
All regions |
Trades | Carpenter (331212) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4)
AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the Carpentry Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of the Carpentry Licence Class OR the duties of the Carpenter will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council: A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand may be accepted in place of having a certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) |
All regions |
Trades | Joiner (331213) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Joinery (Level 4) OR
a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
All regions |
Trades | Floor Finisher (332111) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the National Certificate in Flooring (Level 4)
OR a minimum of three years relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Canterbury* |
Trades | Glazier (333111) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand in the New Zealand Certificate in Glazing (Level 4) AND
a minimum of two years’ relevant post- qualification work experience AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do relevant Restricted Building Work (RBW), EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise relevant RBW, OR the duties of the Glazier will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council: A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience may be accepted in place of the requirement of a certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand in the New Zealand Certificate in Glazing (Level 4) and the minimum of two years’ relevant post- qualification work experience |
Northland, Auckland, Nelson– Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury |
Trades | Fibrous Plasterer (333211) | A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience
AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the External Plastering Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of the External Plastering Licence Class OR the duties of the Fibrous Plasterer will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council the following is required instead of the above: A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the Fibrous Plaster Installation strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Interior Linings Installation (Level 4) OR a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the External Plastering Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of a External Plastering Licence Class OR the duties of the Fibrous Plasterer will not include RBW |
All regions |
Trades | Solid Plasterer (333212) | A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience
AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the External Plastering Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of the External Plastering Licence Class OR the duties of the Solid Plasterer will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council the following is required instead of the above: A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the Solid Plastering strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades (Level 4) OR a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the External Plastering Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of a External Plastering Licence Class OR the duties of the Solid Plasterer will not include RBW |
All regions |
Trades | Roof Tiler (333311) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Roofing (Installation) (Level 4)
AND a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the Roofing Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of the Roofing Licence Class OR the duties of the Roof Tiler will not include RBW Note for employment where the entire or principal place of work is within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council: A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand may be accepted in place of having a certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Roofing (Installation) (Level 4) |
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Nelson–Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland |
Trades | Wall and Floor Tiler (333411) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the Floor and Wall Tiling strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Trowel Trades (Level 4)
OR a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Plumber (General) (334111) | Licensed or authorised as a Plumber (not including a limited certificate holder) by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board AND
at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
All regions |
Trades | Drainlayer (334113) | Licensed or authorised as a Drainlayer (not including a limited certificate holder) by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board AND
at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Roof Plumber (334115) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Roofing (Installation) (Level 4)
AND a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience AND Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence to do Restricted Building Work (RBW) within the scope of the Roofing Licence Class, EXCEPT IF the work will be done under the supervision of an appropriately LBP who is licensed to supervise RBW work done within the scope of the Roofing Licence Class OR the duties of the Roof Tiler will not include RBW |
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Nelson–Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland |
Trades | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic (342111) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Trade) (Level 4)
AND at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Electric Line Mechanic | NZ registration as a line mechanic or a limited certificate as a line mechanic from the Electrical
Workers Registration Board |
Canterbury* |
ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications | Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) (342411) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one of the strands of the New Zealand Certificate in
Telecommunications (Level 4) |
All regions |
ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications | Telecommunications Cable Jointer (342412) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one of the strands of the New Zealand Certificate in
Telecommunications (Level 4) |
All regions |
ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications | Telecommunications Technician (342414) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of one of the strands of the New Zealand Certificate in
Telecommunications (Level 4) |
All regions |
Transport | Truck Driver (General) (733111) | NZ recognised Full Class 4 or 5 Driver Licence AND
a minimum of three years’ experience driving heavy rigid (gross laden weight of more than 18,000kg) or heavy combination (gross combined weight of more than 25,000kg) vehicles, including at least 12 months’ relevant work experience in New Zealand |
Canterbury* |
Trades | Scaffolder (821712) | A certificate at NZQF Level 4, or a higher qualification, which includes the credit and knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Certificate in Scaffolding (Level 4)
AND a minimum of two years’ relevant post- qualification work experience |
All regions |
* For this occupation, Canterbury is defined as the area within the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council or Waimakariri District Council
Note 1: Qualifications listed (unless an exception is stated) are New Zealand awarded qualifications on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Overseas qualifications must be comparable to the standard of the New Zealand qualification listed. Unless an overseas qualification is listed on the Immigration New Zealand List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (Appendix 3) an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority stating the comparable NZQF qualification is required.
Note 2: Where post-qualification work experience is included as a requirement it applies to all qualifications listed for the occupation (unless otherwise indicated).
The above list has been updated to reflect the 2020 Skilled Occupations list for New Zealand.
Contact us for a detailed analysis of your visa options.
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