Bricklayer and Stonemason Roles in New Zealand
This page is a practical guide for overseas-qualified bricklayers and stonemasons considering a move to New Zealand. It covers trade qualifications, employment settings, salary benchmarks, regional demand, and immigration pathways. New Zealand’s bricklaying workforce is small relative to construction demand, and experienced overseas bricklayers from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Europe are actively sought by residential and commercial construction employers.
Role Snapshot
ANZSCO Code: 331211 — Bricklayer
NZR Code: NZR-149
Country: New Zealand
Role Variants: Bricklayer, Blocklayer, Stonemason, Refractory Bricklayer, Tuck Pointer, Paver (hard landscaping), Masonry Contractor
Green List Status: Tier 2 (24 months AEWV to residence). Check Immigration NZ Green List.
Licensing Body: No mandatory licence. BCITO administers the NZ Certificate in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (Level 3).
Bricklayers and blocklayers construct walls, partitions, chimneys, and masonry features using brick, concrete block, and stone. Blocklaying (CMU construction) is the most common masonry activity in NZ commercial construction. Hard landscaping is a growing self-employment niche. Typical employers include commercial construction companies, masonry subcontractors, heritage restoration contractors, hard landscaping companies, and industrial refractory contractors.
Salary Ranges
| Level | Setting | Approximate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Trade-qualified bricklayer (overseas arrival) | Employed, commercial or residential | $58,000 – $75,000 |
| Experienced bricklayer / blocklayer (3-5 years NZ) | Employed, commercial construction | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Senior blocklayer / leading hand | Employed, large commercial projects | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| Stonemason (natural stone, decorative) | Employed or self-employed | $70,000 – $100,000+ |
| Self-employed masonry / hard landscaping contractor | Own client base | $90,000 – $150,000+ |
| Refractory bricklayer (industrial) | Employed or project contract | $80,000 – $120,000 |
Regional Demand
Auckland: Largest market. Commercial block construction (warehouses, multi-unit residential) plus residential brick veneer and heritage tuck pointing in older suburbs.
Tauranga / Bay of Plenty: Growing commercial and residential construction. Good blocklayer demand, lower cost of living than Auckland.
Wellington: Commercial block construction and heritage restoration (significant pre-earthquake brick building stock).
Canterbury: Active commercial and residential masonry sector. Ongoing restoration of heritage buildings damaged in 2010-2011 earthquakes.
Queenstown / Central Otago: High-end residential stone feature work (fireplaces, garden structures, retaining walls) at premium rates.
Nelson, Napier, Hamilton, Dunedin: Consistent commercial block construction demand in all regional centres.
Licensing and Registration
No mandatory occupational licence for bricklaying or stonework. BCITO’s NZ Certificate in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (Level 3) is the domestic qualification. Overseas qualifications (UK City and Guilds Level 2/3, NVQ Level 2/3, Australian Certificate III, South African Trade Test) are assessed by employers; BCITO’s Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) pathway formalises overseas skills. Heritage work requires knowledge of lime mortar mixes and period-correct techniques. WorkSafe NZ requirements apply for silica dust control when cutting masonry units.
Note for stonemasons: Confirm your ANZSCO classification (331211 Bricklayer includes stonemason) with INZ or an immigration adviser early, as the code affects your Green List eligibility.
Immigration Pathways
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Primary work visa. Job offer from INZ-accredited employer at or above median wage threshold (NZD $29.66/hr). Employer-tied initially, transferable after 24 months.
Green List Tier 2: After 24 months as a bricklayer or blocklayer for an accredited employer, apply for NZ residency. Check current conditions at Immigration New Zealand.
For personalised immigration advice, book a session with Tate.
Readiness Signals
Strong indicators: trade qualification at Level 3 equivalent or above; 3+ years experience with employer references; commercial block work (CMU) experience is particularly valued by NZ commercial employers; decorative or heritage masonry skills (tuck pointing, natural stone, heritage lime mortar) are specialist niches with premium positioning. Confirm ANZSCO classification with immigration adviser if you are a stonemason.
Fabien Maisonneuve demonstrates how an overseas tradesperson with the right preparation can build a strong NZ career quickly. Read his story.
Submit your CV to TEFI for a free review.
Where to Find Roles
- SEEK NZ – search bricklayer, blocklayer, stonemason, masonry
- Trade Me Jobs – smaller masonry contractors and regional listings
- BuildNZ – construction-specific job board
- LinkedIn – commercial construction companies and project managers
Large commercial construction companies (Fletcher Construction, Hawkins, Naylor Love) hold INZ accreditation and employ blocklayers on major projects. Specialist recruiters: Tradestaff, Extrastaff, OneStaff.
Submit your CV to TEFI or book a session with Tate.
Want to Know Where You Stand?
Not sure how your background will read to NZ employers? Upload your CV and Tate will give you honest, practical feedback on your market position — at no cost. Expect a response typically within one business day.
- Upload your CV: Submit here →
- Email Tate directly: tate@employmentforimmigration.nz
- Learn more about our services: TEFI Services
Tate has 17 years of immigration employment coaching experience and works with clients until they secure a job offer.
Immigration information disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute immigration advice. Visa eligibility, qualification requirements, and occupation lists change regularly. Your individual circumstances — including work history, qualifications, and country of origin — affect which pathways are available to you. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser. TEFI refers clients to New Zealand Shores (Fabien Maisonneuve) as a trusted referral — mention Tate's name when you get in touch.