jobs, new zealand, skilled migrant category, South Africa,
If you’re a South African Engineer thinking about relocating to New Zealand, here’s some good news—our Kiwi clients are hiring again.
After a bit of a pause, New Zealand is back in business when it comes to infrastructure. A change in government often brings a reshuffling of priorities—and that’s exactly what we’ve seen over the last year.
When the centre-right coalition government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon came to power in late 2023, it initiated a major review of infrastructure spending, including projects announced by the previous Labour government.
This included a reassessment of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, light rail in Auckland, and other major transport initiatives. Projects were stalled, reviews were ordered, and the industry was understandably holding its breath. But now? The wheels are turning again.
The new NZ government is pushing ahead with a series of key infrastructure and transport projects. There’s talk of streamlined approvals, more capital investment, and a genuine effort to get things moving. That means job creation, workforce planning, and a growing need for skilled professionals across the board—especially in civil engineering, construction, and surveying.
To expedite the delivery of essential projects, the government has introduced the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. This legislation streamlines the decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects of national significance, reducing bureaucratic delays and facilitating timely project execution.
An allocation of NZ$2.68 billion has been designated for roads, rail, and public transport projects. This includes funding to accelerate the delivery of priority projects such as the Roads of National Significance, aiming to improve connectivity and economic growth across the country.
The Governement has also committed to building another crossing for Waitematā Harbour in Auckland – a multi-billion-dollar project which will create thousands of jobs.
22 renewable electricity projects have been listed for fast-track approval by the New Zealand Government which is a key part of the Government’s plan to reduce emissions to achieve Net Zero 2050.
At ConsultANZ, we’ve been watching the NZ market closely. In fact, our Director, Peter Laver, recently visited clients across the North and South Islands to get a feel for what’s happening on the ground. And the feedback? Very encouraging. Clients are upbeat. They’re preparing for future projects. And most importantly, they’re getting ready to hire again.
Why This Matters for South African Engineers and Construction Professionals
Here’s the thing — New Zealand has always been a popular destination for skilled South Africans. Great lifestyle, English-speaking, safe communities, and the kind of work that makes use of your experience. We’ve placed dozens of South African Engineers with our Kiwi clients over the years, and it’s been a win-win every time. The demand is real, and we expect it to grow significantly in the coming months.
If you’re based in South Africa and have experience in:
- Civil engineering (site or project level),
- Construction management,
- Surveying (engineering or land),
- Or infrastructure project delivery,
…we want to hear from you.
Expressions of Interest Now Open
We’re now officially taking expressions of interest from South African candidates keen to make the move to New Zealand. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just starting to explore your options, this is the perfect time to get on our radar.
We can help you:
- Understand the NZ job market,
- Connect with real opportunities,
- Navigate immigration options,
- And prepare for interviews with trusted, long-term clients.
Let’s Talk
No hype. No empty promises. Just a genuine update: New Zealand is getting ready to build again—and they’ll need people like you to make it happen.
So, if the idea of working in NZ has been on your mind, now’s the time to act. Send us your CV or reach out for a confidential chat.
📧 [email protected]
🌍 www.consultanz.com.au
Let’s build your future—across the ditch.
Want to know more about moving to New Zealand?
We have a wealth od resources on our website that can help you find out more about living and working in New Zelaand as well as preparing for the big move.
Read our guides:
South Africa vs New Zealand – A guide for Engineers
Your Guide to New Zealand (includes information about renting a property, moving and shipping your belongings, education and childcare , healthcare and more)
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