Finishing Trades
Workforce Development Plan
$170.4bn
5-year construction sector project pipeline (2024-29)
28,240
Workforce size
2023
486
Workforce shortage
2023
Finishing Trades Sector Vision
Constructing a forward-thinking and responsive Finishing Trades sector, that aligns with current and future skill needs.
Our vision is to elevate training, encourage strategic collaboration and establish fair market conditions, shaping a dynamic and appealing sector that cultivates innovation, inclusivity and diversity.
Finishing Trades bring precision, creativity, and care to the final stages of construction, transforming built spaces into places we live and work in.
From painting and decorating to tiling, flooring, plastering, and interior design, these trades make the details count.
The sector contributes around 7% to New Zealand's economy and employs nearly 30,000 people, with strong hubs in Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington, and Waikato. Diversity is growing too, with a 71% increase in women in trades over the past decade.
But challenges persist: an ageing workforce, supply chain pressures, and ongoing skill shortages despite support like apprenticeship incentives. High standards are essential in this space, governed by legislation and codes that shape quality and safety.
As demand for high-quality finishes continues to rise, the sector is sharpening its focus on workforce development, diversity, and adaptability.
Based on what we’ve heard from across the sector, here are the five key areas guiding workforce action:
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
- 05
