The kiwifruit harvest is coming fast. Gisborne starts 9th March. Ōpōtiki starts 17th March. Thompson’s Horticulture is looking for people who want to get outdoors, work hard, and help pick quality fruit. Experience is preferred, but on the job training is provided for anyone with a great team spirit, a good level of fitness, and the motivation to do well every day. You could be working up to six days per week, weather dependent. Pay is a base rate of 25 per hour plus 8 percent holiday pay. Group contract rates are also available, meaning you can earn even more by meeting or exceeding performance targets. If you are applying as a group, let them know. Transport may be provided. Read on if you are ready to work.
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About the Company
Thompson’s Horticulture is a well established name in New Zealand’s fruit growing industry. They operate in Gisborne and Ōpōtiki, two prime kiwifruit growing regions. The company values team spirit, reliability, and a strong work ethic. They provide training, support, and the opportunity to earn above the base rate through contract incentives. For backpackers on working holiday visas or locals seeking seasonal income, Thompson’s offers a professional and friendly environment.
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. You will need to carry up to 15 kilograms at a time. You will empty your bag into large orchard bins, working efficiently because group contract rates reward teams that meet or exceed performance targets. 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. The work day is up to six days per week, weather dependent. You will get fit, work hard, and see your earnings grow.
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What We Are Looking For
You need a good level of fitness and the motivation to do well every day. You must be able to carry up to 15 kilograms. No previous experience is required, but experience is preferred. On the job training is provided. You must have a great team spirit and a positive attitude. You must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand, meaning citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa. You need your own IRD number and a New Zealand bank account. Transport may be provided, but having your own vehicle is helpful. No degree is mentioned or required. If you are applying as a group, please let them know in the application form. You must be available for the start dates: 9th March for Gisborne or 17th March for Ōpōtiki.
Pay and Benefits
The base pay rate is 27 per hour. Group contract rates are also offered, meaning you can earn more by meeting or exceeding performance targets as a team. Transport may be provided to and from the orchards. You will work up to six days per week, weather dependent. The season runs from March onwards. You will gain horticulture experience, work outdoors, and be part of a supportive team.
How to Apply
Please apply via the Thompson’s Horticulture website. Search for Join the Thompson’s Family. Complete the online application form. If you are applying as a group, make sure to note that in the form. For more information, email peopleandculture at thltd dot co dot nz. Do not call. Apply as soon as possible because the Gisborne start date is 9th March. A kiwifruit picking role with multiple pay options, group contract bonuses, and a supportive team does not come up every day. Complete your application today and get ready to pick in Gisborne or Ōpōtiki. Your harvest season starts now.
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