Job opportunities for plumbers and gasfitters have fallen since mid-2008, largely due to a slump in the number of new houses and apartments being built in New Zealand.

However, continued strength in the commercial (non-residential) building sector, and ongoing maintenance work mean job opportunities for plumbers and gasfitters are still available.

Residential building slump means fewer job opportunities for plumbers and gasfitters

About half of all plumbing and gasfitting work is in residential building. The number of residential buildings under construction in New Zealand has dropped markedly – down 28% in 2008 from 2007. Given this drop, some employers are less willing to hire new staff, meaning fewer jobs for plumbers and gasfitters.

However, industry sources suggest the lull in new house building could lead to a housing shortage. This could see a surge in house building in 2010-2011, and renewed demand for plumbers and gasfitters.

Housing New Zealand has also started work on renovating 18,000 state houses, which it aims to finish by July 2010. This will provide plumbers and gasfitters with some additional residential work.

Maintenance work for plumbers and gasfitters stable

About a third of plumbing and gasfitting work is maintenance work, on both residential and commercial buildings. This work has been relatively steady despite the recession, as it is often essential – for example, when pipes have burst or are corroding.

Commercial construction continues to perform well but may begin to slow

About 17% of plumbing and gasfitting work is on commercial buildings. Commercial construction performed well 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 plumbing and gasfitting jobs in the commercial sector will increase.

Most (88%) of plumbing and gasfitting businesses are either sole traders or companies employing up to five people. 

About 80% of plumbing businesses employ apprentices.

Plumbers and gasfitters work throughout New Zealand. However, most are employed in the main regions, where demand is greatest because of population: 

• Auckland (30% of plumbers and gasfitters)
• Wellington (13%)
• Canterbury (11%)
• Waikato (11%).