Job opportunities for roofers have decreased 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 roofers are still available.

Residential building slump means fewer job opportunities for roofers

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 take on new staff. Others have also been laying off roofers to try to save money.

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

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

Commercial construction continues to perform well but may begin to slow

Commercial construction performed well in 2008 and in the first quarter of 2009. How well this sector performs for 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 roofer jobs will increase.

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

Maintenance continues to provide opportunities for roofers

Maintenance work for roofers has remained relatively steady and unaffected by the downturn in the building industry. This is because this work is often essential, and cannot be delayed.

Most roofers are employed by specialist roofing companies. These range from small businesses with one or two self-employed workers, to businesses with 20 or more employees.

Roofers work throughout New Zealand. However, most are employed in the main centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where demand is greatest because of population.

On 1 November 2008, the Department of Building and Housing introduced the first stage of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme for roofers. The scheme will mean that, from November 2010, certain work will need to be done or supervised by a licensed roofer.

To get a licence, roofers will have to prove their experience and/or have appropriate qualifications.