Opportunities for roading construction workers are currently modest, but industry sources expect job prospects to improve in late 2010. 

Lull in road building means short-term job prospects poor

Chris Olsen, chief executive of Roading New Zealand, says New Zealand entered a lull in road construction in late 2008 as a number of large projects were completed and fewer new projects replaced them. With fewer projects under construction, demand for roading construction workers has eased.

Extra funding for roads likely to create new jobs for roading construction workers

The government has earmarked an extra billion dollars for road construction over the next three years as part of its package to help improve the economy. This will see a significant increase in large roading projects and many new jobs for roading construction workers. Construction on a number of these projects should begin by late 2010.

Spring and summer best time to look for work

Job opportunities for roading construction workers are best in spring and early summer. Contractors usually take on new staff at this time, because summer is the peak period for road construction. A lot of roading construction workers are hired on short-term contracts to cover this period.

About 30 large companies do 90% of roading work in New Zealand. 

Roading construction workers work throughout New Zealand. However, demand for roading construction workers is likely to be highest in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland regions, which have a number of projects scheduled.