Company
Higgins
Location
Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Job type
Full-time
Posted
28 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
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Job description
DescriptionHiggins Wellington has secured an exciting new contract - the Wellington City Council Road Maintenance Contract. Due to this, our team is growing, and we are seeking Operators to join the team.What You’ll Be DoingOperate excavators and other civil and roading plant.Carry out stabilised pavement repairs, dig outs, drainage work, concrete works, slip repairs, and minor earthworks.Support your crew on site, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.Assist with planning daily tasks and coordinating resources.What You NeedRelevant Licenses (Class 2 + WTR)Minimum 3 years’ experience operating Excavators, Rollers & BroomsExperience in civil construction or road maintenanceMust be available to work on an on-call rosterFamiliarity with RAMM is beneficial but not essentialFlexible, committed, and reliable - will turn up rain or shineWhy Join the Green Team?Competitive hourly rateBased on our Wellington Branch in Ngauranga with travel around the Wellington region as requiredPermanent long-term workUpskill and gain further licences if requiredSupportive team that treats each other like whanauZ fuel discounts including a monthly free pie and coffeeKiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do every day. We offer a great working environment, competitive hourly rate, subsidised medical insurance and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!Building better roads for safer journeys – He pai ake te hanga o ngā rori, kia haumaru ai ngā haerengaWe are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Welder Jobs
Q
What is the minimum hourly wage for welder jobs in New Zealand from 1 April 2026?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the adult minimum wage for welders in New Zealand is NZ$24.50 per hour as of 1 April 2026. Welders working more than 40 hours per week must receive time-and-a-half for overtime hours. This rate applies to all employees aged 16 and over with no exceptions for the welding trade.
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Q
What visa is required for overseas welders to work in New Zealand in 2026?
As per Immigration New Zealand, overseas welders need a Skilled Migrant Category visa or an Accredited Employer Work Visa valid for up to three years. Applicants must hold a job offer paying at least NZ$29.66 per hour and have their qualifications assessed at NZQF Level 4. The visa application fee is NZ$1,390 for the main applicant as of 2026.
Source: Immigration New Zealand
Q
What qualifications are needed to qualify for welder jobs in New Zealand?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, welders must hold a New Zealand Certificate in Welding at Level 3 or 4 or an equivalent overseas qualification assessed by NZQA. At least two years of documented post-qualification experience in structural or pipe welding is required for most roles. No university degree is mandatory but a relevant trade certificate is compulsory.
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Q
What documents must be submitted when applying for welder jobs in New Zealand?
As per Immigration New Zealand, applicants must provide a valid passport, NZQA qualification assessment, police certificate from the last 10 years, and a job offer letter stating the NZ$29.66 hourly rate. Medical certificates and evidence of two years welding experience are also mandatory for the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Source: Immigration New Zealand
