The loadout pad is one of the busiest and most dangerous places on an orchard during harvest. Trucks backing in, tractors pulling trailers, pickers walking past, and forklifts weaving through it all. Rawhiti Hort needs a skilled forklift operator who can handle the pressure. You will unload and unstack empty bins, load them onto tractor trailers, and then lift full bins into trucks. This is not a role for a newly licensed driver. You need one to two years of experience and a current forklift certification. Orchard loadout pads are multi hazard environments and require skilled drivers who can manoeuvre in tight spaces, on uneven ground, and around moving vehicles. The pay is $32 per hour with flexi rosters. If you have the experience and the attitude, email jobs at rawhitihort dot co dot nz for more information or to express interest. Read on.
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About the Company
Rawhiti Hort is a local business that manages kiwifruit orchards for clients and runs a large harvesting operation. They are a member of NZ Ethical Employers, meaning they treat their workers fairly, pay correctly, and prioritise safety. The team values skill, reliability, and a commitment to fruit quality. For experienced forklift drivers who want a seasonal role where their expertise is respected, Rawhiti Hort is an excellent choice.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will unload empty bins from delivery trucks, carefully unstacking them and staging them for tractor trailers. You will load empty bins onto tractor trailers, ensuring they are balanced and secure before the tractor heads back to pickers. You will then move to the orchard side, where you will lift full bins from the ground or from trailers and load them onto trucks for transport to packhouses. You will handle every bin with care. Damaged bins can bruise fruit, and bruised fruit affects packhouse grades and grower returns. You will carry out prestart checks on your forklift every shift, checking tyres, brakes, hydraulics, lights, and safety features. You will adhere to all health and safety and hygiene requirements, including quality standards. You will follow traffic management plans and complete required traffic management training. You will assist with equipment and PPE maintenance, reporting any faults immediately. You will ensure timesheets and other documentation are completed accurately and handed into yard admin. You will liaise directly with the Site Manager on any issues or feedback. You will also communicate with truck drivers, tractor drivers, and pickers to coordinate movements safely. Your role is about precision, patience, and professionalism. One mistake can cause damage or injury.
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What We Are Looking For
You must hold a current forklift licence or certification. You need one to two years of proven experience operating a forklift, ideally in an orchard or agricultural setting. Newly qualified or licensed drivers without experience will not be considered. Orchard loadout pads are multi hazard environments with uneven ground, tight spaces, and lots of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. You must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather. You need to be reliable, punctual, and able to work long hours during peak harvest, including weekends. A strong commitment to safety and fruit quality is essential. You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand with citizenship, residency, or a valid work visa. No degree is mentioned or required. Your own transport to the orchards is required.
Pay and Benefits
The hourly rate is between $32 per hour depending on experience. Flexi rosters mean you have some flexibility in your schedule, though harvest demands long hours and weekend work. You will work full time during the season. You will be part of an ethical employer that cares about its people. You will play a critical role in the harvest and be respected for your skill. There may be opportunities for ongoing work across seasons for reliable drivers.
How to Apply
For more information or to express your interest, please email jobs at rawhitihort dot co dot nz. Include your CV and a cover letter highlighting your forklift experience, specifically on orchard loadout pads or similar environments. Tell them how many seasons you have worked and confirm your licence is current. The harvest season is approaching, so do not wait. A well paid, respected forklift role with an ethical employer does not come up every day. Send your email today and get ready to be the skilled driver who keeps the harvest moving safely and efficiently. Your forklift is waiting.
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