Job opportunities for interior plasterers have decreased since mid-2008, largely due to a slump in the number of houses and apartments being built in New Zealand.

However, continued strength in the commercial (non-residential) building sector, and ongoing renovation work mean opportunities are still available.

Residential building slump means fewer job opportunities for interior plasterers

The number of residential buildings under construction in New Zealand has dropped markedly – down 28% in 2008 from 2007. This has significantly affected opportunities for interior plasterers, as most of their work is in this sector.

However, industry sources suggest the lull in house building could result in a housing shortage. This could see a surge in house building in 2010 or 2011, and renewed demand for interior plasterers.

Renovations and alterations providing jobs

While the number of houses being built has fallen, industry sources ay homeowners are focusing more on improving the appearance of their homes before selling or renting them. This has meant a marked increase in small residential renovation and alteration jobs for interior plasterers.

Housing New Zealand has also started work on renovating 18,000 state houses, which it aims to have completed by July 2010. This will provide interior plasterers with some additional work.

Commercial construction continues to perform well but may begin to slow

Commercial construction remained strong in 2008 and in the first quarter of 2009.

How well the commercial building sector performs throughout the rest of 2009 will largely depend on how the wider economy performs. Some industry commentators are predicting the sector will slow. If this happens, competition for interior plastering jobs in the commercial sector will increase.

However, with large buildings taking two to three years to build, some projects begun in 2008/2009 should still be providing interior plasterers with work in 2011/2012.

Most interior plasterers are either self-employed or employed by companies with two to five staff members.

Interior plasterers work throughout New Zealand. However, most work in the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where demand is greatest due to population.