What are the most in-demand jobs in New Zealand for the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, New Zealand is expected to see strong demand across healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, education, agriculture, and trades. Roles such as nurses, doctors, software developers, civil engineers, electricians, teachers, and aged-care workers are forecast to remain in high demand due to population growth, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, and an ageing population. Sustainability and renewable energy roles are also emerging rapidly. These occupations align closely with New Zealand’s long-term skill shortage priorities and are expected to offer stable employment and migration opportunities.

Healthcare, construction, infrastructure, information technology, education, agriculture, and renewable energy will drive New Zealand’s future job demand. Healthcare demand is rising due to an ageing population, while construction and infrastructure projects continue nationwide. IT and digital services are expanding as businesses adopt automation and cloud technologies. Agriculture and agri-tech remain central to the economy, while renewable energy and sustainability industries are growing as New Zealand works toward climate goals. Together, these sectors will shape long-term employment trends.

New Zealand faces skill shortages due to a combination of factors, including an ageing workforce, low population density, limited domestic talent supply, and growing demand across essential sectors. Many skilled workers are reaching retirement age, while infrastructure growth and healthcare needs continue to rise. Additionally, rapid technological change has increased demand for specialised IT and engineering skills that are not produced quickly enough locally. As a result, New Zealand relies heavily on skilled migrants to fill long-term workforce gaps.

Yes, healthcare and nursing jobs are expected to remain in high demand for at least the next decade. New Zealand’s ageing population is increasing the need for nurses, doctors, midwives, aged-care workers, and allied health professionals. Demand is especially strong in public hospitals, regional healthcare services, and aged-care facilities. Workforce shortages, combined with rising healthcare needs, make this sector one of the most stable and future-proof career paths in New Zealand.

IT and software development jobs are projected to grow strongly in New Zealand over the next 10 years. Demand is high for software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, cloud engineers, and AI professionals. Businesses across all industries are undergoing digital transformation, increasing reliance on technology. New Zealand’s tech sector is also expanding globally, creating opportunities for both local and international professionals with in-demand digital skills.

Civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, and environmental engineers are expected to be in strong demand. Major infrastructure projects, housing development, transportation upgrades, and renewable energy initiatives are driving the need for engineering professionals. Civil engineers, in particular, are critical for road, bridge, and urban development projects. Engineering roles are consistently listed on skill shortage lists and offer long-term employment stability.

Yes, construction and infrastructure jobs are expected to remain in demand long term. New Zealand faces ongoing housing shortages, population growth, and infrastructure upgrades, especially in transport and public services. Roles such as construction managers, quantity surveyors, project managers, carpenters, and site supervisors are critical. Government investment in infrastructure ensures sustained demand across the construction sector for many years.

Skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, HVAC technicians, and automotive mechanics are expected to remain in high demand. Trades are essential to construction, infrastructure, and maintenance projects nationwide. A shortage of locally trained tradespeople, combined with strong building activity, makes these roles highly sought after. Many trade occupations also offer clear pathways to work visas and residence.

Yes, renewable energy and sustainability jobs are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. New Zealand’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy production is driving demand for environmental engineers, energy analysts, sustainability consultants, and renewable energy technicians. Growth in wind, solar, and hydroelectric projects will create long-term employment opportunities in green industries.

Teaching professionals, particularly early childhood teachers, primary teachers, and secondary teachers in STEM subjects, are in consistent demand. Population growth and regional shortages contribute to long-term demand. Teachers willing to work in regional or rural areas often face stronger job prospects. Education plays a key role in New Zealand’s social development, making teaching a stable career choice.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, and demand is strong for farm managers, agricultural technicians, veterinarians, and agri-tech specialists. Innovation in precision farming, automation, and sustainability is increasing demand for technology-focused roles within agriculture. Skilled workers who combine farming knowledge with digital or engineering expertise will be especially valuable over the next decade.

Yes, logistics and supply chain roles are expected to grow due to increased trade, e-commerce expansion, and infrastructure development. Demand is rising for supply chain managers, warehouse supervisors, logistics coordinators, and transport planners. Efficient supply chains are essential for New Zealand’s export-driven economy, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.

Finance, accounting, and business roles remain relatively stable, especially for professionals with specialised skills. Accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and business advisors are consistently needed across industries. While automation is changing some functions, professionals with strategic, regulatory, and advisory expertise are expected to remain in demand long term.

High-demand digital skills include software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, AI, machine learning, and DevOps. Employers seek professionals who can support digital transformation, protect data, and optimise business systems. Technology skills that combine technical expertise with problem-solving and communication are particularly valuable.

Yes, migrants with skills in shortage occupations will continue to have strong job prospects. New Zealand relies on skilled migration to address workforce gaps in healthcare, IT, construction, engineering, and trades. Migrants with relevant qualifications, experience, and English proficiency are well-positioned for long-term employment and residence pathways.

Jobs listed on New Zealand’s skill shortage lists often provide pathways to work visas and residence. These include healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, construction workers, and tradespeople. Employment in these roles increases eligibility for employer-sponsored visas and long-term settlement options.

Yes, aged care and disability support roles are among the fastest-growing occupations in New Zealand. An ageing population is increasing demand for caregivers, support workers, and aged-care nurses. These roles are critical to social services and are expected to remain in demand for decades.

Skill shortage lists typically include healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, construction workers, and tradespeople. These lists are regularly updated to reflect labour market needs and guide migration policies. Occupations on these lists often benefit from streamlined visa processes.

An ageing population increases demand for healthcare, aged care, social services, and support roles. It also creates workforce gaps as older workers retire, increasing demand for younger professionals and skilled migrants. This demographic shift strongly influences long-term employment trends.