The kiwifruit harvest moves on wheels. Without skilled drivers operating tractors and forklifts, the fruit stays in the orchard, bins do not get moved, and trucks wait. Apata in Gisborne is seeking reliable and experienced tractor and forklift drivers to join their machinery and yard team for the harvest season. This is a hands on, physical role outdoors. If you enjoy meeting new people, working in a dynamic environment, and have a current OSH certificate and valid driver licence, read on. The pay rate is $28.50 per hour plus holiday pay. You will operate tractors and forklifts safely and efficiently, perform routine maintenance checks, assist with harvesting crops, and transport materials as needed. Long hours including weekends are required during peak season. Apply online now if you are ready to be part of a passionate team producing high quality kiwifruit.
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About the Company
Apata is a well established name in New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. Based in Gisborne, they are passionate about producing high quality fruit for export markets. The company values safety, efficiency, and teamwork. The machinery and yard team is critical to harvest success, and Apata treats its staff with respect. For experienced operators who want a seasonal role with a reputable employer, this is a solid choice. The work environment is outdoors, physical, and rewarding.
What You Will Do Every Day
You will operate tractors and forklifts safely and efficiently across orchard and yard areas. For tractor drivers, you must be able to work with trailers and reverse accurately. You will transport full bins of kiwifruit from the orchard to the load out area, and move empty bins back to pickers. You will operate forklifts to stack, unstack, and load bins onto trucks. You will perform routine maintenance and safety checks on machinery at the start of each shift, checking tyres, fluid levels, brakes, and lights. You will assist with harvesting crops as needed, working closely with pickers and supervisors. You will follow all safety protocols and guidelines, including traffic management plans and pedestrian awareness. You will also help keep the yard and machinery areas clean and organised. The work is physical, requiring twisting, turning, and lifting heavy objects. You will work long hours, including weekends, during peak season. Every shift, your attention to detail and commitment to safety will keep the harvest moving.
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What We Are Looking For
You must have a valid driver licence and a current OSH forklift certificate. Previous experience operating tractors or forklifts is required. Tractor drivers must be able to work with trailers and reverse confidently. You need the ability to work long hours, including weekends, during peak season. Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety are non negotiable. Physical ability to perform manual labour and lift heavy objects, with regular twisting and turning, is essential. You must be reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team. 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 Gisborne orchards is required.
Pay and Benefits
The starting rate is $28 per hour. You will work full time hours during the harvest season, with long days and weekend work required during peak periods. You will be part of a passionate team producing high quality kiwifruit. The role is outdoors, hands on, and varied. You will gain valuable experience operating machinery in a busy horticultural setting. There may be opportunities for ongoing work beyond the season for top performers.
How to Apply
Apply online now. Visit the Apata website at www.apata dot co dot nz slash employment. Complete the online application form and attach your CV. Make sure to highlight your OSH certificate, tractor and forklift experience, and ability to reverse with trailers. The harvest season is approaching, so apply immediately. Do not wait. A well paid, skilled machinery operator role with a reputable Gisborne employer does not come up every day. Submit your application today and get ready to keep the kiwifruit harvest moving. Your seat in the cab is waiting.
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