Jobs in skill shortage and labour shortage
Skill shortages can happen when employers find it hard to get staff with the right skills, when staff turnover is high, or if there's low unemployment.
Changes in the economy and technology, and movements of people between countries or in and out of the workforce can affect jobs in skill shortage.
Knowing which jobs are in demand can help you choose jobs or decide what subjects to study. Find out more about jobs in our jobs database which lists pay, entry requirements and job opportunities for over 400 jobs.
Immigration New Zealand's Green List and Sector Agreements show skills and labour gaps
Immigration New Zealand's Green List and Sector Agreements aim to make it easier for employers to fill genuine skills gaps by recruiting overseas workers.
These lists can also give you an idea of which jobs are in skill shortage or labour shortage.
- The Green List makes it easier for employers to attract migrants into skilled, highly paid and care workforce occupations.
- Sector agreements are a temporary measure to make it easier for employers to attract migrants to fill lower- paid roles.
- Immigration New Zealand - Green List, highly paid and care workforce roles
- Immigration New Zealand - Transport sector agreement finalised and Green list changes confirmed 26 April 2023
- Immigration New Zealand - Changes to Immigration Settings Announced Green list and Construction and Infrastructure sector agreement 23 September 2023
Immigration New Zealand's previous skill shortage lists can indicate jobs in demand
Immigration New Zealand's skill shortage lists showed that the Government was actively encouraging skilled workers from overseas to work in particular roles in New Zealand.
The skill shortage lists were last updated in 2019. They can indicate jobs that are likely to be in demand.
Find out more about jobs that were on Immigration New Zealand's long-term, regional, and construction and infrastructure skill shortage lists.
These do not include jobs on the Green List or other agreements if they weren't already on a skill shortage list.
- Arts and Media
- Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation
- Farming, Fishing, Forestry and Mining
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Business
- Health and Community
- IT and Telecommunications
- Education and Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Transport and Logistics
- Science
- Animal Care and Conservation
- Manufacturing
- Finance and Property
Jobs in Engineering
Automotive
Automotive electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, parts and electrical and electronic systems in vehicles.
Automotive refinishers prepare vehicle surfaces, match and mix colours, and apply paint to vehicles.
Automotive technicians service and repair vehicles and their parts and systems.
Collision repair technicians repair and replace damaged body parts of cars and other vehicles.
Engineering
Chemical engineers design, develop and operate equipment and processes used to manufacture chemicals and products.
Civil engineers plan, organise and oversee the building and maintenance of structures such as dams, bridges, sewerage systems and roads.
Civil engineering technicians/draughtspeople plan and draw the technical details for building and repairing roads, bridges, buildings and other structures.
Electrical engineering technicians interpret the designs and technical instructions of electrical engineers, then ensure they are accurately carried out. They also develop, install, test and maintain equipment that produces, transmits or uses power.
Electrical engineers design, construct and manufacture electrical systems. They also maintain, operate and manage these systems.
Electronics engineers design and oversee production of electronic equipment such as radios, televisions, computers, washing machines and telecommunication systems. They may also work in sales and technical support.
Environmental engineers assess and reduce the impact of engineering projects on water, soil and air. They also plan and design systems to treat and remove waste.
Mechanical engineers design and give advice on the building and repair of machines and tools. They also investigate problems and faults with machinery, and study ways to improve manufacturing and energy production.
Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines and machines.
Maintenance and Repair
Electronics trades workers assemble, install and fix electronic parts and equipment.
Engineering machinists create, assemble and repair metal products by interpreting designs, measuring metals, and operating machines to cut and shape them.
Fabrication engineers make, install and repair metal products such as vents, handrails, boilers, aircraft and boat parts, or beams and girders for construction projects.
Refrigeration/air-conditioning technicians install, service and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Welders make, join and repair metal parts for machinery and equipment using welding techniques.