Your arms above your head all day. A picking bag weighing fifteen kilograms or more on your shoulders. The sun on your back and the satisfaction of filling bin after bin. That is kiwifruit harvest with Olivers Horticulture, a family owned business based in Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty. They manage family orchards of kiwiberry and red, gold, and green kiwifruit. Picking starts approximately 8th April and runs through to early June. They are looking for individuals who are happy to put in hard work and deliver good quality. No experience is required, but you must be physically fit and active, between 165 and 179 centimetres tall, and have your own vehicle. Short term accommodation options are available on one of their orchards, including van parking and rooms. If you are ready for a physically demanding but rewarding season, read on.
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About the Company
Olivers Horticulture is a family owned and operated kiwifruit business based in Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty. They take pride in their orchards and their team. The harvest is run with a focus on quality and teamwork. Pickers work in teams of twelve, paid per bin collectively. Previous years pickers have earned strong hourly rates. The company values reliability, fitness, and a positive attitude. For seasonal workers who want a well organised, supportive environment, this is a great choice.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will work in a team of twelve pickers, moving through kiwifruit orchards together. You will walk under the canopy, with your arms above your head for most of the day reaching for fruit. You will pick kiwifruit by hand, carefully placing each piece into a picking bag that weighs fifteen kilograms or more when full. You will empty your bag into large orchard bins, working efficiently because your team is paid per bin. You will coordinate with your teammates to cover rows systematically, helping each other to maximise the team’s bin count. You will follow quality standards, avoiding bruising or damage to the fruit. You will work outdoors in variable weather, from warm sunny mornings to cool overcast days. You will use ladders or platforms where needed. You will also help with basic tasks such as moving empty bins or clearing fallen fruit. At the end of each day, you will see your team’s bin count. The work is physically demanding, repetitive, and satisfying. Your earnings grow with every bin your team fills.
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What We Are Looking For
You must be physically fit and active because you will carry a heavy picking bag and keep your arms above your head for long periods. Your height must be between 165 and 179 centimetres. This ensures you can work comfortably under the canopy without excessive stooping or hitting your head. No previous experience is required; all training is provided. You must have a valid NZ working visa. Unfortunately, Olivers Horticulture cannot offer sponsorship under RSE, AEWV, GWSV, or PSV visas. You need a New Zealand bank account and an IRD number. You must be reliable and able to turn up consistently. You must have your own vehicle because there is no public transport between orchards, and walking or cycling is not possible. No degree is mentioned or required.
Pay and Benefits
You will be paid as a team of twelve, with a bin rate of approximately 26 to 32 dollars per bin depending on bin size. Previous years pickers have earned anywhere between 26 and 36 dollars per hour, including holiday pay. That means strong earning potential for hardworking teams. Short term accommodation options are available on one of the orchards. Van parking is 80 dollars per person per week. Rooms are 160 dollars per person per week. You must have your own vehicle to get between orchards. The season starts approximately 8th April and runs through early June. You will work full time hours, weather permitting. You will gain horticulture experience and be part of a family run operation.
How to Apply
Please note that if you are applying as a group or couple, each person must fill in a separate form. Applications will only be accepted via the application link provided in the original listing. Do not email or call. Complete the online form with your personal details, visa information, height, and accommodation preference. The harvest starts soon, so apply immediately. Do not wait. A well paid, physically active kiwifruit picking role with accommodation options and a supportive family owned team does not come up every day. Complete your application today and get ready to work hard under the Bay of Plenty sun. Your arms will ache, but your bank account will thank you.
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