Motueka is calling. The kiwifruit season starts around 20th March and finishes at the end of April. A orchard in Lower Moutere needs reliable, hardworking people to join their picking team. This is a physically demanding, hands on role. You will be on your feet all day, lifting bags of picked fruit, and working outdoors in all weather. Perfect for people who enjoy hard work, being part of a collaborative team, and taking pride in quality. You will not need your gym subscription. Get fit and get paid while working. Please note this position is not suitable for tall people. If you are 180 centimetres or taller, you cannot apply. The work environment is supportive, supervisors are fantastic, and no experience is needed. Limited on site campground parking with facilities is available upon request. Read on if you are ready to work.
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About the Orchard
This Motueka based orchard is a professional operation focused on producing high quality kiwifruit. The team includes fantastic supervisors who will train you even if you have never picked before. The employer values hard work and looks after staff. The work environment is collaborative, and pickers take genuine pride in the quality of their fruit. For backpackers or locals seeking seasonal income, this is a solid choice. The orchard operates six days a week during harvest, so you must be available for weekends.
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 your pay includes an incentive bonus for completing the season. 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. You will coordinate with other pickers to cover rows systematically. You will also help with basic tasks such as moving empty bins or clearing fallen fruit. The work day runs from 8.30am to 5pm, weather dependent. You must be available to work six days a week during harvest. The season runs from approximately 20th March to the end of April.
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What We Are Looking For
You must NOT be taller than 180 centimetres. This role is not suitable for tall people. The vines and canopy are low, and taller pickers would struggle with back strain. You need to be physically fit to carry heavy picking bags and stand for full shifts. No previous experience is needed, but you must be reliable and hardworking. A positive attitude and willingness to be part of a team are essential. You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or hold a current valid work visa. You need your own transport to get to the orchard, though limited on site campground parking with facilities is available upon request. No degree is mentioned or required. You must be available for the full season from late March to end of April, including weekends.
Pay and Benefits
The hourly rate is 1.00 per each hour worked to employees who complete the entire kiwifruit picking season as scheduled. This incentive is discretionary and will be assessed based on full attendance and adherence to employment terms. That means if you show up every day and follow the rules, you could earn an extra dollar per hour for every hour worked across the season. You will work nine hour days, six days a week, weather permitting. Limited on site campground parking with access to facilities is available upon request. No experience needed, and fantastic supervisors will train you.
How to Apply
You MUST apply via the online form. Copy and paste this link into your browser: https colon slash slash forms dot office dot com slash r slash 95nwQjypaA. No other forms of application will be accepted. Do not email, call, or message. Complete the form fully, including your height, work rights, and availability. The season starts around 20th March, so apply immediately. Do not wait. A kiwifruit picking role with an end of season bonus, on site camping, and a supportive team does not come up every day. Fill out the form today and get ready to work hard, get fit, and earn in beautiful Motueka. Your outdoor office awaits.
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