The 2026 kiwifruit season is almost here. , orchards need hardworking, reliable people to join the picking crew. If you are fit, ready to work outdoors, and want to earn good money, this is your chance. No experience is required because full training is provided. The pay is NZD 26 per hour plus 8 percent holiday pay, which means your total hourly rate comes to just over 28 dollars. On top of that, bucket and bin rate bonuses reward speed and quality. Flexi rosters mean you can balance work with other commitments, but you must be able to work every day when the weather is good. You need your own reliable transport, a working phone, an IRD number, and a New Zealand bank account. A valid work visa or residency is required. If this sounds like you, read on and then reach out via WhatsApp.
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About the Orchard
This kiwifruit operation is well established in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, the heart of the country’s kiwifruit industry. The team takes pride in producing high quality fruit for export markets. Supervisors are experienced and supportive, and they understand that good pickers are the backbone of a successful harvest. The work environment is positive, and the crew works hard together. For backpackers on working holiday visas or locals seeking seasonal income, this is a reliable and friendly place to earn.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will walk through kiwifruit orchards, identifying ripe fruit ready for harvest. You will pick each piece by hand, carefully placing fruit into a picking bag that you carry across your shoulders. The bags become heavy, so physical fitness is essential. You will empty your bag into large orchard bins, working efficiently because bonuses reward both quantity and quality. You will follow quality standards, avoiding bruising or damage to the fruit. You will work at a steady pace, aiming to fill as many bins as possible each day. You will work outdoors in variable weather, from warm sunny mornings to cool overcast days, but not during heavy rain. You will coordinate with other pickers to cover rows systematically. You will use ladders or platforms to reach higher fruit 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 track your bin count. The work is physical, repetitive, and satisfying. Your earnings grow with every bin, and your fitness improves every shift.
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What We Are Looking For
You must be a New Zealand resident or citizen, or hold a valid working visa. No experience is necessary, but you need to be reliable and able to work every day when weather permits. You must have your own reliable transport to get to the orchards. A working phone number is required for communication. You need an IRD number and a New Zealand bank account. You must be physically fit to carry heavy picking bags and stand for full shifts. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential. No degree is mentioned or required. Your height is not specified, but you should be comfortable reaching above your head. You must be available from the start date of 9th March 2026.
Pay and Benefits
The base pay rate is NZD 26 per hour plus 8 percent holiday pay, which is paid out at the end of your employment. That gives you an effective hourly rate of just over 28 dollars. On top of that, bucket and bin rate bonuses reward you for working efficiently and carefully. The more you pick without damaging fruit, the more you earn. Flexi rosters mean you can have some flexibility in your schedule, but you are expected to work every day when the weather is good. You will work full time hours, typically eight to nine hours per day. The season runs from 9th March onwards. You will gain valuable horticulture experience and strong references for future seasonal work.
How to Apply
No phone calls. In your message, include your full name, your visa status or residency, and confirmation that you have reliable transport, an IRD number, and a NZ bank account. Do not wait because positions will fill quickly. A well paid, supportive kiwifruit picking role with bonuses and flexi rosters does not come up every day. Send your WhatsApp message today and get ready to work hard, earn well, and enjoy the outdoors. Your harvest season starts on 9th March.
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