Construction Labourers New Zealand – Visa Sponsorship & $28/hr Starting Pay
New Zealand’s building boom still outpaces the local workforce. Government estimates say more than 30,000 extra construction workers are needed right now, leaving contractors no choice but to look offshore and sponsor visas for entry-level labourers
New Zealand’s cranes won’t slow any time soon, housing backlogs and billion-dollar infrastructure upgrades guarantee full rosters for years ahead. With NZ $28/hr starting pay, accredited-employer sponsorship, and a clear path toward residency, this is one of 2025’s best blue-collar tickets into Aotearoa. Apply now before the next work-permit intake closes.
Benefit of Working as a Construction Labourer in New Zealand
- Solid starting wage – current adverts for visa-ready labourers quote NZ $28–30 an hour, well above the national minimum and higher than the 2025 average of NZ $26.75.
- Accredited-Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – once a licensed firm issues you a job offer, the work permit is processed in as little as four weeks
- Extra cash for overtime & wet weather – site agreements usually pay time-and-a-quarter after 40 hours plus daily allowances when rain stops work.
- Free gear & relocation help – many contractors cover your first set of PPE, flight reimbursement, and two weeks’ shared hostel accommodation.
- Move toward residence – after two or three years in higher-skill roles you can step up to a Residence Visa via the Construction & Infrastructure Green List pathways.
What employers expect from you
- At least six months’ recent site, landscaping, farm, or factory labour (references or payslips).
- Fit enough to lift 25 kg bags of cement and work outdoors in all weather.
- Basic spoken English; 2024 rule changes mean low-skill AEWV applicants must meet a simple language check.
- Police clearance and immigration medical.
- Passport valid 18 months past your intended arrival.
Job Responsibilities
- Set up and break down work zones—fencing, signage, barriers.
- Carry, stack, and secure timber, steel, formwork, and scaffolding components.
- Mix, pour, and vibrate concrete; shovel and compact basecourse.
- Operate plate compactors, demo hammers, or concrete saws after toolbox induction.
- Keep work areas clean, separate recyclables, and follow strict health-and-safety briefings.
Who’s sponsoring right now?
- Large civil contractors and temp-labour agencies advertising “NZ $28–30 per hour + visa sponsorship” in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
- National builders such as Fletcher Building and regional outfits on the official Accredited-Employer list, all authorised to issue AEWV job offers.
- Specialist infrastructure crews on roading, rail, and wind-farm projects looking for labourers willing to travel between sites.
