Vietnamese plumbers: is New Zealand looking for experienced hands?

Tips · 2026-08-31 · 3 min read

Are you a plumber, a gasfitter or a drainlayer? Do you wonder if you could work in New Zealand? The short answer is that these trades are in short supply there, and that may be good news for you. Let us look at why.

A shortage that keeps growing

New Zealand will need to fill roughly 1,450 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying roles over the coming year. There are several reasons. The workforce is getting older. Many young tradespeople are moving to Australia. And the building industry is starting to pick up again.

The country is not training enough new people to fill these places.

Why training is slow

Fewer than one in five plumbing businesses take on apprentices. In construction overall, the figure can be as low as 10-15 percent. An apprentice is a person who learns a trade while working. It can take five years before a business gets a good return on that training. In hard times, small firms often stop hiring apprentices. Numbers fell sharply again this year.

Why many workers leave

Pay in Australia can be much higher. Some plumbers move from around NZ$30 an hour to AU$55. Some recent groups suggest close to half of the people who finish their training may move there soon after. This leaves more gaps in New Zealand.

The workforce is also ageing

The average certifying plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer in New Zealand is 49 years old. Around 1,000 workers on the tools are already past 65. They will retire soon. These trades keep water safe and gas supply working, so employers need good people.

What can you do?

You do not need to rush. Small, careful steps are best.

Collect your trade certificates and work records. Vocational certificates from Vietnam are usually checked again in New Zealand, so ask what your trade needs.
Get certified English translations of your documents, if the visa rules ask for them.
Ask if an English test such as IELTS or PTE is needed.
If a police certificate is asked for, the usual one for Vietnamese citizens is the Judicial Record Certificate (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp). Check which type is required.
Write down your work history in simple English. Include the type of jobs, tools and safety training.

Stay safe

Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa. If an offer sounds too easy, stop and ask questions.

You can read about work visas on the Immigration New Zealand work page. Check the conditions of each visa before you make any plan.

A hopeful note

Women make up under one percent of the licensed workforce, so the industry is looking for more people from many backgrounds. Experienced hands are welcome, and demand looks steady. Start with your documents, and take each step slowly.

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