Indoors, air conditioning, and a friendly, energetic team. That is the packhouse, not the orchard. A well established company in Aongatete, just seven kilometres south of Katikati, is looking for staff for the 2026 kiwifruit harvest. Roles available include graders, tray preparation, packers, and stackers. Work hours are 8am to 8pm for GA Gold kiwifruit, and 8am to 6pm for HW Green kiwifruit, six days per week. No experience is needed. Motorhome and caravan space is available. You must already be in New Zealand to apply. No visa sponsorship is offered. If you are fit, strong, have a positive attitude, and can work well in a team, send your full name, mobile number, and CV if you have one. Read on for more details.
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About the Company
This family friendly packhouse is located in Aongatete, a quiet rural area in the Bay of Plenty, close to Katikati. The company specialises in post harvest handling of kiwifruit, working with local growers to prepare fruit for export. The culture is welcoming and energetic, with a focus on teamwork and getting the job done efficiently. Seasonal workers return year after year because the environment is supportive and the work is steady. For backpackers or locals seeking indoor seasonal work, this is a great option.
What You Will Do Every Day
Depending on your role, your daily tasks will vary. Graders will stand at the conveyor belt, sorting kiwifruit by size, colour, and quality. You will remove any fruit that is damaged, misshapen, or does not meet export standards. Tray preparation staff will assemble cardboard trays and liners, ensuring a steady supply to the packing line. Packers will place graded fruit into trays quickly and carefully, following customer specifications for count and arrangement. Stackers will lift filled trays onto pallets, stacking them in stable columns, and wrapping pallets for transport. All roles require standing for long hours, using your hands constantly, and maintaining focus despite repetition. You will work in a temperature controlled environment, which is a relief on hot summer days. You will follow strict food safety and hygiene rules, including washing hands, wearing hair nets and gloves, and keeping your workstation clean. You will work six days per week, with long shifts up to twelve hours during peak season. The work is physical but indoors, and the team energy makes the day pass quickly.
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What We Are Looking For
No experience is needed. Full training is provided. You must be fit and strong because some roles involve lifting and standing all day. Stackers in particular need physical strength to lift trays repeatedly. A positive attitude is essential. You must be able to work well in a team, helping others when your line is ahead and accepting direction from supervisors. You must have an IRD number and a passport or birth certificate plus photo ID. You must have a valid work visa or the ability to legally work in New Zealand. No sponsorship is given, so you must already hold the right to work. You must already be in New Zealand to apply. No degree is mentioned or required. Motorhome or caravan space is available if you need a place to park.
Pay and Benefits
The hourly rate for packhouse roles is between NZD 24 and NZD 26 per hour depending on experience and role. That aligns with current market rates for kiwifruit packhouse workers in the Bay of Plenty. You will receive 8 percent holiday pay on top, paid out at the end of your employment. You will work six days per week, with shifts up to twelve hours during peak harvest. Motorhome and caravan space is available on site, saving you accommodation costs. You will work indoors in a friendly, energetic environment. You will gain experience in one of New Zealand’s most important export industries. There may be opportunities for ongoing work across seasons for reliable staff.
How to Apply
To apply, email your full name, mobile number, and a CV if you have one. Use the email address provided in the original listing. Tell them which role you prefer, though you may be placed where needed. Include your visa status and confirm you are already in New Zealand. The harvest season is approaching, so apply immediately. Do not wait. An indoor packhouse role with motorhome parking and a friendly team does not come up every day. Send your email today and get ready to grade, pack, and stack your way through the 2026 kiwifruit harvest in beautiful Aongatete. Your season starts now.
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