As many as 40 new jobs in the engineering sector will be the result of a decision from Air New Zealand (NZ) to alter its aircraft maintenance operations.

The carrier plans to create 30 positions at Nelson by moving its turbo propeller heavy maintenance division to the facility.

Meanwhile, an extra eight roles will be generated in Christchurch where jet maintenance work for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 planes will continue and new contracts will necessitate hiring new staff.

Those seeking engineering jobs in New Zealand may be interested in the move by Air New Zealand Technical Operations, which will expand Air Nelson activities.

Under the plans, maintenance of the Mt Cook Airlines fleet of 11 ATR72 aircraft will take place in Nelson.

Explaining the relocation, Air New Zealand Technical Operations general manager commercial Trevor Hughes said: "We are currently capacity constrained and have recently been turning down third party jet maintenance work."

International and domestic carrier Air NZ provides a range of air passenger and cargo services to customers and has a number of business units providing additional capabilities.