Demand for land surveyors is affected by the health of the construction industry. While opportunities have been good in recent years, the current economic downturn means there will be more competition for land surveyor jobs, at least in the short term.

An increase in building activity from 2002 to 2007 boosted the number of jobs for land surveyors. Between 2001 and 2006 the number of land surveyors rose by 13%, to 1,700 people, according to Census figures. However, this increase failed to meet demand – partly because there were not enough new graduates entering the job, and partly because a number of qualified surveyors moved overseas for better pay.

As a result of this shortage, the job of licensed cadastral surveyor appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term and immediate skill shortage lists (July 2008). This means the Government is actively encouraging licensed cadastral surveyors from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Job opportunities for land surveyors better on infrastructure projects

Job opportunities for land surveyors are better on infrastructure projects, such as improving roads and bridges, because of an increase in government funding. In February 2009, the Government said it would bring forward infrastructure projects worth $500 million to help combat the economic downturn.

Private surveying companies and construction and engineering consultancies will need surveyors to help with these projects, which include highway building, road maintenance, school building, and state housing refurbishment projects across New Zealand. These projects are set to start by 30 June 2009.

Fewer opportunities in land development work

Job opportunities on land development projects have slowed because of the recent downturn in the building and construction industry.

Most land surveyors work for private surveying practices, land developers or construction and engineering consultancies where they help determine land boundaries, do subdivision work, and prepare resource consents.

Land surveyors can also work in policy development at government agencies such as Land Information New Zealand or for local government bodies.

Experienced land surveyors may become consultants and start their own businesses.

Land surveyors work throughout New Zealand, but most are based in large cities and urban areas:

• Auckland (32% of land surveyors)
• Wellington (12%)
• Canterbury (10%)
• Waikato (9%)
• Otago (7%).